I like to poke some humor on tax fraud cases. This case has none of that, and I’m really disgusted about the facts of the case.
Two judges in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania had a nice racket going. Judges Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan accepted $2.6 million in kickbacks. They took the money so that two private juvenile detention centers could be built, and Judge Conahan shut down the county’s existing juvenile detention center. Judge Ciavarella then sentenced children to the new facilities.
There are allegations that the two judges sent children to the facilities rather than sending them home (as recommended by juvenile probation authorities). Judge Ciaverella denies that charge.
The two judges pleaded guilty to tax evasion and to fraud. The plea agreement specifies they will serve 87 months at ClubFed. They must also make restitution.