Sunday, December 16, 2012

Judge OK's $18M Settlement in 'Kids-for-Cash' Case

A federal judge in Pennsylvania has given final approval to a settlement that will pay out nearly $18 million to juveniles who allege they were wrongly jailed by corrupt judges.[Former Luzurne County Judges Michael Conahan and Mark Ciavarella]

The approval granted Friday in Scranton allows attorneys to begin distributing money to about 1,600 teens and their parents.

The funds come from developer Robert K. Mericle (MEHR'-ih-kuhl), who built a pair of for-profit youth detention centers.

Two Luzerne County judges accepted payments from Mericle and routinely jailed teens at the facilities. The judges are now serving lengthy prison terms.

Mericle pleaded guilty to failing to report a felony. He awaits sentencing in the so-called "kids for cash" scandal.

Affected youths will receive between $500 and $5,000. Some will get more based on the circumstances of their incarceration.

Source: Judge OK's $18M Settlement in 'Kids-for-Cash' Case

6 comments:

Betty said...

If the affected youths are only getting between $500 to $5,000, then exactly how many were there to add up to $18m?

Thelma said...

Or are the lawyers getting pieces, too?

Terry said...

Sounds like the lawyers may be getting the major cut.

Anonymous said...

I hope those two never have a cent to their names for the rest of their lives.

Anonymous said...

C R O O K S in the courtroom - what is worse than that?

C R O O K S wearing judicial robes while basing their decisions on self serving results = $ in their pockets and $ for their pals.

Hey does this sound familiar to the family and interested parties in the guardianship conservatorship court ordered hell?

It should and we're waiting for someone good to go looking for the $ tracks - it's there now go find it.

B Inberg said...

Kids for cash

Adult Wards for $________________________________.