Pocono News Section

Ciavarella Cases To Be Reversed, Erased

Ciavarella Cases To Be Reversed, Erased - Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 10:26PM EST

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- Thousands of cases could be reversed and eventually expunged, according to Luzerne County District Attorney Jackie Musto Carroll. Her office has been ordered to review all juvenile case dispositions by ex-Judge Mark Ciavarella from 2003 to 2008.
The Pa. Supreme Court issued the order Thursday directing prosecutors to determine if there could be more victims caught up in one of the worst judicial scandals. Ciavarella and fellow ex-Judge Michael Conahan pleaded guilty last month to charges they masterminded an incarceration scheme that sent juveniles to privately owned facilities in exchange for cash, $2.6 million to be exact. Musto-Carroll said her office will be forced to assign two assistant district attorneys and two support staff personnel to handle the order. She described the assignment "substantial and voluminous."

The order identifies guidelines for determining those juveniles who qualify for the emergency relief.

Ciavarella and Conahan remain free on bail pending the completion of a pre-sentencing report.