Pocono News Section

Robert Powell Pleads Guilty to his Part in Kids for Cash Scheme

Robert Powell Pleads Guilty to his Part in Kids for Cash Scheme - Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 11:15AM EST

Wednesday, Jul 1, 2009 @ 11:15am EST

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY- Attorney Robert Powell made a formal guilty plea on fraud and corruption charges in Scranton Federal Court today. This is part of the kids for cash scheme in Luzerne County .

A pre-sentence investigation will take place now, and Powell will be sentenced at a later date. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Powell admits to funneling money to former judges Michael Conahan and Mark Ciaverella in the construction phase of the juvenile detention center.

This guilty plea is also part of the on-going corruption scandal in Luzerne County which has targeted nine people.