Pocono News Section

Ciavarella Speaks Out Through Attorney

Ciavarella Speaks Out Through Attorney - Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at 11:50PM EST

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- The attorney for embattled Luzerne County Judge Mark Ciavarella disputed claims by federal authorities the judge made money off a scheme to imprison juveniles in select detention centers.
Al Flora on Tuesday told Eyewitness News Ciavarella "specifically denies that he sent any child to any juvenile facility because of money that he received from any person."

The U. S. Attorney's Office mapped out its case against Ciavarella and Luzerne County Senior Judge Michael Conahan on Monday, dropping a bomb of accusations that rattled the county's legal system from the highest ranks on downward.

Conahan has not commented. Ciavarella expressed concern about media reports through his attorney. Flora said most of those concerns dealt with print media outlets. He cited one specific example, pointing to a headline that alleged the judges "bilked taxpayers of $2.6 million."

Flora said the headline was "factually inaccurate and not alleged in the charges filed by the government." Instead, the government, in its case, claims the money came from two private parties.

Flora acknowledged the case's complexity. In fact, Flora said the Governor's office had misinterpreted a resignation letter from his client. Ciavarella had resigned his office of President Judge on Friday.

He maintains his seat on the Court of Common Pleas. Governor Ed Rendell's spokesman told Eyewitness News they were under the impression Ciavarella had resigned from the court. Flora reiterated that was not so.