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Transcripts Released of Wire Tapped Conversations Between Ex-Judges

Transcripts Released of Wire Tapped Conversations Between Ex-Judges - Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 04:03AM EST

Reported by: Andy Mehalshick
Wednesday May 12 2010
0/ 5 rating WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY -- There are disturbing new details about the alleged kids-for cash scheme in Luzerne County that led to a federal corruption probe.

Federal prosecutors have filed court papers that apparently detail conversations between former Luzerne County judges Michael Conahan and Mark Ciavarella -- conversations that were recorded.

The I-Team obtained copies of the documents and transcripts that total more than 150 pages. It documents the alleged efforts of the former judges to conceal the kids-for cash scheme. What they did not know was one of the key players was working with the FBI and wearing a wire that recorded everything they said.

Federal investigators say former attorney Robert Powell began cooperating with the FBI in July of 2008 when he was co-owner of the PA Child Care center in Pittston Township.

The U. S. Attorney's brief details how Powell and developer Robert Mericle allegedly funneled $2.8-million in kick-backs to then judges Micheal Conahan and Mark Ciavarella. It was a scheme that would ensure PA Child Care would be built and that juveniles would be sent there.

Mericle and Powell have already pleaded guilty in the corruption case. Prosecutors say Mericle paid a finders fee to the judges but knew nothing about kids for cash.

At one meeting between Ciavarella, Conahan and Powell, Ciavarella allegedly put it this way:

"I was the one who directed Mericle where to send the money and I was the one who gave him the instructions as to where to send it."

The federal paperwork also talks about kickbacks sent from Powell to Conahan. According to investigators a female employee of Powell's law firm delivered cash in a box to Conahan. Conahan and Powell later learned that she was cooperating with the FBI. That really scared them.

The wire transcripts show:

"She frightens the ---- out of me. She's going to say she delivered cash." --Powell

"She's wearing a wire that's why she didn't show up today." --Conahan

"It's going to be our word against hers." --Powell

These briefs were filed in response to defense motions asking for Ciavarellas trial to be moved out of state and statements made by Powell to be kept out of the trial.

Conahan has already pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering.
 


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