"Ciavarella's cavalier conduct demonstrates that what took place before him was nothing more than theater for (his) amusement," Clark's attorneys said.
Showing posts with label juvenile detention center. Show all posts
Showing posts with label juvenile detention center. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Court Is For The Birds According To Allegations Against Ciavarella
"Ciavarella's cavalier conduct demonstrates that what took place before him was nothing more than theater for (his) amusement," Clark's attorneys said.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Supreme Court Vacates Juvenile Convictions Back To 2003
According to a Times Leader article out of Harrisburg Pennsylvania's Highest Court has vacated all of the juvenile cases heard before disgraced ex-Judge Mark Ciavarella since 2003. Its order also disallows retrial of all the cases but a handful.
In issuing the ruling, the high court said it agreed with Grim's assessment that Ciavarella had shown a "complete disregard for the constitutional rights of juveniles who appeared before him."
"We conclude that the record supports Judge Grim's determination that Ciavarella knew he was violating both the law and the procedural rules promulgated by this court applicable when adjudicating the merits of juvenile cases without the knowing, intelligent and voluntary waiver of counsel by the juveniles," the court wrote.
Grim had also recommended that Luzerne County District Attorney's office be barred from retrying all but a handful of cases based on the double jeopardy statute, a constitutional prohibition against trying a person twice for the same crime. Grim based that recommendation on his finding that Ciavarella engaged in intentional conduct meant to deprive juveniles of their rights. That triggered the double jeopardy statute, he said.
The Supreme Court agreed with Grim that the vast majority of cases cannot be retried, but declined to adopt Grim's reasoning regarding the double jeopardy statute. The court instead said it was granting that relief solely "in the interest of justice."
SOP believes this order is far reaching and Judges in Pennsylvania should take note. In reading the court's order it is an indictment of actions by a judge that would introduce an element of prejudice by a judge.
The transcripts reveal a disturbing lack of fundamental process, inimical to any system of justice, and made even more grievous since these matters involved juveniles.
During the hearing conducted by President Judge Platt in Joseph v. The Scranton Times, 19 MM 2009, Ciavarella admitted under oath that he had received payments from Robert Powell, a co-owner of the PA Child Care and Western PA Child Care facilities, and from Robert K. Mericle, the developer who constructed the juvenile facilities, during the period of time that Ciavarella was presiding over juvenile matters in Luzerne County. It is a matter of record that Ciavarella routinely committed juveniles to one or another of these facilities. It is also a matter of record that Ciavarella failed to disclose his ties to Powell, much less the financial benefits he received in connection with the facilities to which he routinely committed Luzerne County juveniles. Ciavarella’s admission that he received these payments, and that he failed to disclose his financial interests arising from the development of the juvenile facilities, thoroughly undermines the integrity of all juvenile proceedings before Ciavarella. Whether or not a juvenile was represented by counsel, and whether or not a juvenile was committed to one of the facilities which secretly funneled money to Ciavarella and Conahan, this Court cannot have any confidence that Ciavarella decided any Luzerne County juvenile case fairly and impartially while he labored under the
specter of his self-interested dealings with the facilities.
At a federal hearing yesterday Mark Ciavarella had "No comment." FINALLY!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Vonderheid- Just A Couple Of Questions
Over at Gort42 the Gortmeister tears into Todd Vonderheid over his interview before the Luzerne County Government Study Commission.
When Vonderheid was asked the question about the lease concerning PA Child Care and whether he would do it again his response was "I'd sign that lease tomorrow, with only two alterations,"
He goes on further to say As for the two differences, the first change would have been to pre-negotiate the price, and the second would have been to tie the rent the county paid for the facility to the governmental reimbursement rate so there wouldn't have been a significant fluctuation, Vonderheid said.
Todd, I think you have some explaining to do. Let's take a look at the facts and see if your statements hold up.
1st issue: On the price pre-negotiation statement. Todd, you must have a significant lapse in memory.
"02/07/2003
New juvenile facility ready for business
By Fred Ney , Citizens' Voice Staff Writer
Pennsylvania Child Care, a new multi-million dollar juvenile detention and residential treatment center, opened Thursday in Pittston Township amid expectations that the facility will forge working relationships with many Pennsylvania county court systems, especially Luzerne's.
The county commissioners Wednesday passed several motions creating contracts with seven different juvenile detention facilities in the state, including Pennsylvania Child Care. Commissioner Makowski stressed that the county has decided to build its own juvenile detention facility.
Detention is 100-percent reimbursable by the federal government and costs vary from $160 to $288 per day.
PCC charges $268 per day.
Vonderheid tries to cover his tracks by asking for the results of the audit being conducted by the State Department of Public Welfare when he already voted for the lease. Once you enter a lease it is very difficult to break. Vonderheid justifies the lease cost based on prices paid for the last three years. Again, if they are doing it for the last three years where was the emergency?
Vonderheid states if the audit comes back and is unfavorable to PA ChildCare he will do what is right for the taxpayers. What were his actions when he found out about the results of the audit? Nothing.
"12/31/2004
County declares emergency, OKs pact with juvenile care center
By James Conmy , Citizens' Voice Staff Writer
Luzerne County Commissioners Greg Skrepenak and Todd Vonderheid declared a state-of-emergency Thursday to ratify four short-term contracts with service providers for a Pittston Township juvenile care center. The county will begin a 20-year, $58 million lease for the facility with Pennsylvania Child Care on Jan. 1. All contracts with service providers at the facility expire Dec. 31.
An emergency was declared to bypass normal advertising requirements for services, Vonderheid said.
Commissioner Stephen Urban did not support any of the contracts. He said declaring the emergency was unnecessary and proves Vonderheid and Skrepenak acted on the lease too quickly.
Vonderheid's letter to Estelle Richman, secretary of the Department of Public Welfare, asking to expedite an audit, which allegedly warns the lease is a bad deal for taxpayers, is too late, Urban said.
"He didn't do his due diligence on this," Urban said of Vonderheid. "His letter is nothing more than back tracking. He is asking questions that should have been asked before he signed the lease."
"The lease was based on rates approved for three straight years, by two different administrations," Vonderheid said.
So Todd, you were telling us that the rates were approved for three straight years but there was no pre-negotiating??? You're free to comment and explain that rationale.
2nd issue. Declaring an emergency. He admits in the last sentence above that the rates were approved for at least three years. What necessitated an emergency? Was the emergency declared to purposely bypass bidding requirements or contract requirements of public officials? Can someone explain to me how you declare a 20 year emergency, 20 years being the amount of time entered into by Luzerne County to lease PA Child Care?
Further, at the same meeting support services for the PA ChildCare facility are authorized for only 30 or 120 day periods. How can you have an emergency for the main facility but not the services that support it?
"Other contracts approved were for food service, custodial and maintenance service, and health insurance. They were all for 120 days, except the custodial and maintenance contract, which is for 30 days.
Greg Zappala claims he was unaware of Ciavarella's and Conahan's escapades. Greg, you are in finance. Let's ask you a question. Your father is a former judge. Your brother is a District Attorney. You own a business and watch a motion pass declaring an emergency when the county has been leasing your facility for three years and it doesn't catch your eye? I guess it's possible......
When Vonderheid was asked the question about the lease concerning PA Child Care and whether he would do it again his response was "I'd sign that lease tomorrow, with only two alterations,"
He goes on further to say As for the two differences, the first change would have been to pre-negotiate the price, and the second would have been to tie the rent the county paid for the facility to the governmental reimbursement rate so there wouldn't have been a significant fluctuation, Vonderheid said.
Todd, I think you have some explaining to do. Let's take a look at the facts and see if your statements hold up.
1st issue: On the price pre-negotiation statement. Todd, you must have a significant lapse in memory.
"02/07/2003
New juvenile facility ready for business
By Fred Ney , Citizens' Voice Staff Writer
Pennsylvania Child Care, a new multi-million dollar juvenile detention and residential treatment center, opened Thursday in Pittston Township amid expectations that the facility will forge working relationships with many Pennsylvania county court systems, especially Luzerne's.
The county commissioners Wednesday passed several motions creating contracts with seven different juvenile detention facilities in the state, including Pennsylvania Child Care. Commissioner Makowski stressed that the county has decided to build its own juvenile detention facility.
Detention is 100-percent reimbursable by the federal government and costs vary from $160 to $288 per day.
PCC charges $268 per day.
Vonderheid tries to cover his tracks by asking for the results of the audit being conducted by the State Department of Public Welfare when he already voted for the lease. Once you enter a lease it is very difficult to break. Vonderheid justifies the lease cost based on prices paid for the last three years. Again, if they are doing it for the last three years where was the emergency?
Vonderheid states if the audit comes back and is unfavorable to PA ChildCare he will do what is right for the taxpayers. What were his actions when he found out about the results of the audit? Nothing.
"12/31/2004
County declares emergency, OKs pact with juvenile care center
By James Conmy , Citizens' Voice Staff Writer
Luzerne County Commissioners Greg Skrepenak and Todd Vonderheid declared a state-of-emergency Thursday to ratify four short-term contracts with service providers for a Pittston Township juvenile care center. The county will begin a 20-year, $58 million lease for the facility with Pennsylvania Child Care on Jan. 1. All contracts with service providers at the facility expire Dec. 31.
An emergency was declared to bypass normal advertising requirements for services, Vonderheid said.
Commissioner Stephen Urban did not support any of the contracts. He said declaring the emergency was unnecessary and proves Vonderheid and Skrepenak acted on the lease too quickly.
Vonderheid's letter to Estelle Richman, secretary of the Department of Public Welfare, asking to expedite an audit, which allegedly warns the lease is a bad deal for taxpayers, is too late, Urban said.
"He didn't do his due diligence on this," Urban said of Vonderheid. "His letter is nothing more than back tracking. He is asking questions that should have been asked before he signed the lease."
"The lease was based on rates approved for three straight years, by two different administrations," Vonderheid said.
So Todd, you were telling us that the rates were approved for three straight years but there was no pre-negotiating??? You're free to comment and explain that rationale.
2nd issue. Declaring an emergency. He admits in the last sentence above that the rates were approved for at least three years. What necessitated an emergency? Was the emergency declared to purposely bypass bidding requirements or contract requirements of public officials? Can someone explain to me how you declare a 20 year emergency, 20 years being the amount of time entered into by Luzerne County to lease PA Child Care?
Further, at the same meeting support services for the PA ChildCare facility are authorized for only 30 or 120 day periods. How can you have an emergency for the main facility but not the services that support it?
"Other contracts approved were for food service, custodial and maintenance service, and health insurance. They were all for 120 days, except the custodial and maintenance contract, which is for 30 days.
Greg Zappala claims he was unaware of Ciavarella's and Conahan's escapades. Greg, you are in finance. Let's ask you a question. Your father is a former judge. Your brother is a District Attorney. You own a business and watch a motion pass declaring an emergency when the county has been leasing your facility for three years and it doesn't catch your eye? I guess it's possible......
Friday, September 18, 2009
FBI Looking At Back Tax Sales and Luzerne County Commissioner Meeting Minutes 2004-2007
According to veteran reporter Jennifer Learn-Andes of the Times Leader the FBI seized records relating to the removal of properties for back taxes owed. In addition they requested the Luzerne County Commissioner meeting minutes from 2004 to 2007.
You can read Jennifer's story at this link. Let me speculate on the last request. Please keep in mind that the following are excerpts from the articles cited.
04/18/2002
County closer to making move on detention center
By Fred Ney , Citizens' Voice Staff Writer
Luzerne County Engineer James Brozena studied the issue and more than a year ago told the commissioners it would cost the county about $9 million to build its own 32-bed facility.
Makowski said the county would have to float another bond to fund the project and that means a $9 million facility would wind up costing $17 to 18 million after computing interest charges.
12/12/2002
County close to renting juvenile detention facilities
By Fred Ney , Citizens' Voice Staff Writer
Meanwhile, Makowski has been adamant that he wants to build a new county facility rather than repair the old one or lease from Pennsylvania Child Care, the firm that is building the Pittston Township facility.
02/07/2003
New juvenile facility ready for business
By Fred Ney , Citizens' Voice Staff Writer
Pennsylvania Child Care, a new multi-million dollar juvenile detention and residential treatment center, opened Thursday in Pittston Township amid expectations that the facility will forge working relationships with many Pennsylvania county court systems, especially Luzerne's.
The facility is reported to cost $7.4 million; however, Zappala indicated that figure was too low when he spoke of having "eight figures" invested in the property.
The county commissioners Wednesday passed several motions creating contracts with seven different juvenile detention facilities in the state, including Pennsylvania Child Care. Commissioner Makowski stressed that the county has decided to build its own juvenile detention facility.
He and minority Commissioner Steve Urban joined to pass a $25 million bond issue, part of which is earmarked for a new juvenile detention center.
County Engineer Jim Brozena said the project is being targeted for construction on an 88-acre county tract behind the county's Valley Crest Nursing Home in Plains Township.
Projections call for the facility to be completed 18 to 30 months from groundbreaking.
By me
Nine million dollar construction cost financed at 5% per year should cost the County $14,017,481.66 over 20 years, not $58.1 million.
Mortgage Information
Loan amount $9,000,000.00
Term 20 years
Interest rate 4.800%
Monthly payment $58,406.17
Total payments $14,017,481.66
Total interest $5,017,481.66
03/06/2003
County OKs design plans for new juvenile detention center
By Fred Ney , Citizens' Voice Staff Writer
The new Luzerne County Juvenile Detention Center moved another step closer to reality Wednesday when the county commissioners approved spending $446,500 for design services.
12/31/2004
County declares emergency, OKs pact with juvenile care center
By James Conmy , Citizens' Voice Staff Writer
Luzerne County Commissioners Greg Skrepenak and Todd Vonderheid declared a state-of-emergency Thursday to ratify four short-term contracts with service providers for a Pittston Township juvenile care center. The county will begin a 20-year, $58 million lease for the facility with Pennsylvania Child Care on Jan. 1. All contracts with service providers at the facility expire Dec. 31.
The most expensive deal was with Northwestern Human Services, which will oversee juveniles 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The firm will bill the county $193,000 monthly.
An emergency was declared to bypass normal advertising requirements for services, Vonderheid said.
Commissioner Stephen Urban did not support any of the contracts. He said declaring the emergency was unnecessary and proves Vonderheid and Skrepenak acted on the lease too quickly.
Other contracts approved were for food service, custodial and maintenance service, and health insurance. They were all for 120 days, except the custodial and maintenance contract, which is for 30 days.
Do you think Vonderheid is out of the woods on this one??? If there was an emergency why weren't the food service, custodial, and maintenance service contracts for 20 years??
07/16/2005
County officials say juvie center lease saving money
By James Conmy , Staff Writer CV
One of Luzerne County's biggest budget problems is more cost-effective thanks to the lease of a Pittston Township juvenile center, said Sam Diaz, county chief of budget and finance.
Total expenses at the facility through the first six months of 2005 are $2.1 million, or 42 percent of the year's anticipated $5 million budget, Diaz said.
On the revenue side, the county estimated receiving $5.2 million from the facility in 2005. With $2.2 million billed through June and a more aggressive marketing campaign in place, the projections are on target, Diaz said.
In fact, with other cost-cutting measures implemented by Judge Mark Ciavarella, the county has spent $1.8 million less on juvenile placements than it did through June 2004, Diaz said. The juvenile placement line item finished last year about $3 million over budget.
"It's not all doom and gloom here," Diaz said. "(The juvenile placement budget) is on track. It's exactly where I expect. It's definitely not losing money."
Sam Diaz just got done telling us how much Luzerne County was "saving" with juvenile placements.
11/18/2005
Audit criticizes county's handling of facility lease
By:James Conmy CV
Luzerne County officials' failure to understand state regulations and an inability to negotiate juvenile placement rates cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to a draft audit conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.
The draft audit is a component of a lawsuit against Luzerne County Controller Steve Flood and two state employees that was unsealed Wednesday by Pennsylvania Superior Court. The suit filed by Pennsylvania ChildCare, the owners of a Pittston Township juvenile care center, attempted to stop Flood from releasing the contents of the draft audit.
The draft audit details how Pennsylvania ChildCare overcharged the county by approximately $286,000 for juveniles transferred within the facility. It also outlines how the corporation made a $1.2 million profit in 2003, due largely to $1 million in daily rates to house juveniles "not reflective of a standard computation."
Most care facilities' daily rates are based on the cost of housing juveniles divided by the number of days they stay at the facility. Pennsylvania ChildCare's rates were based on state averages - not the formula, according to the draft audit.
"The county should use the rates, based on actual costs, as the basis for negotiating rates," the draft audit stated. "The county is in an excellent position to negotiate rates for without Luzerne County this detention/secure facility would have some difficulty filling the beds."
Luzerne County Commissioners have an opportunity to renegotiate the lease to lower the costs in accordance with the recommendations from the Department of Welfare Audit. It would be the prudent move according to their fiduciary duty and duties of loyalty and care. Instead look what they did.
01/06/2006
County expects subsidies will offset higher lease for juvenile center
By James Conmy , Staff Writer
The cost of Luzerne County's lease of a Pittston Township juvenile care center will increase by approximately $1.35 million in 2006, a new expense that does not alarm most county officials.
This year, the county will pay an additional $600,000, for an annual total of $2.9 million, to Pennsylvania ChildCare, the facility's owner. Mid Atlantic Youth Services will receive another $750,000, or $3.4 million annually, to manage and staff the facility.
Of the 60 beds at the facility, 44 were filled Thursday. Empty beds come at a cost, Urban said.
The Commissioners take the bond issue that was previously approved for a juvenile detention center and use it to fund a new county prison. Why is it cheaper to build a new county prison than lease one? How can the same Commissioners come to two different conclusions on basically the same issue? If the bond issue was for other purposes can they simply take that money for a different purpose?
As you can see the estimate for the new prison is $68 million. In an article that appeared in the Hazleton Standard Speaker on June 19, 2007 “Skrepenak: Weekend Lockdown at Luzerne County prison had 'snowball effect' I am particularly intrigued by the statement "County officials are considering a new prison that could cost $100 million and have more than 20 offers for a new prison site." In a little over a year the projected price has increased by $32 million or 47 percent. To me it points to a backroom effort hoping it will go unnoticed.
04/14/2006
County jail design will cost $2.5 million
BY JAMES CONMY STAFF WRITER
WILKES-BARRE Luzerne County officials are poised to spend more than $2.5 million to design a new prison even though construction on the jail may not begin for years.
The money to finance the new prison’s design will come from about $30 million in bond money the county borrowed for other projects, but has not expended to date, Skrepenak said.
Design costs are typically 5 percent to 7 percent of the estimated construction costs, Larry Bickford, a representative of Kimball and Associates, said during the work session. County officials negotiated a cost of about 4.25 percent of the estimated $68 million construction cost because of the uncertain construction date, said Sam Guesto, county manager.
Certain personnel in Luzerne County see an opening to move kids from this facility to Pa ChildCare. The daily rate at this facility was only $103.00 according to board member who is a friend of mine. The public outcry coupled with the fact that the investigation was blown up to be more than it was foiled this attempt.
10/26/2006
State investigates West Hazleton child care facility
BY ROBERT KALINOWSKI
STAFF WRITER
WEST HAZLETON A child care facility that houses Luzerne County Children and Youth clients is under investigation by the state Department of Welfare for allegations made by two residents that they were physically abused, officials said.
In response, the county has taken 12 residents from the facility’s custody, county spokeswoman Kathy Bozinski said.
Department of Public Welfare spokeswoman Stacey Ward disputes that, saying, “That recommendation was not made.”
03/04/2007
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY
By James Conmy , Staff Writer CV
The latest turmoil unfolded when Skrepenak and fellow Commissioner Todd Vonderheid authorized a $58 million deal to lease the new facility, vowing the 20-year deal would lower Luzerne County’s juvenile costs and bring in revenue by housing juveniles from other counties at the facility.
The Democratic majority commissioners approved the deal despite draft papers Flood presented from a state audit showing Powell and Zappala overbilled the county by $200,000 for juveniles housed at the facility. A lawsuit filed against the state by Powell and Zappala have so far prevented the audit from being completed.
Juvie draft audit withheld
Children and Youth chief won’t release it to county commissioners.
By Jennifer Learn-Andes jandes@timesleader.com
Luzerne County Reporter October 7, 2007
Luzerne County has received the state’s juvenile detention center draft audit, but county officials are confused about who gets to see it.
The state Department of Public Welfare e-mailed the audit to county Children and Youth director Frank Castano on Sept. 25.
County chief clerk/manager Sam Guesto said Castano has not forwarded a copy to county commissioners because the cover letter contained a warning, in bold print, that the information must be “safeguarded against unauthorized use.”
Guesto said he checked with the county solicitor’s office, which raised a concern that Castano could be held liable if the information was improperly released by other county officials.
That doesn’t sit well with minority Commissioner Stephen A. Urban. He said commissioners – not Castano – oversee the county and the Pittston Township facility. He sent Castano an e-mail Friday seeking a copy of documents sent by the state, but Castano has not replied.
“When these audits or any type of reports come to managers, they should ensure through e-mail or phone conversation that their bosses know about them and provide them with a copy,” Urban said.
State welfare spokeswoman Anne Bale said Monday afternoon that Castano is free to give copies to the county commissioners.
“There’s nothing stopping the county Children and Youth from giving it to county commissioners. They’re welcome to it,” Bale said.
But Guesto said he wants to see permission in writing because the state’s warning letter “brings up thoughts of litigation.” Better yet, he said the state should send a copy to each commissioner.
“I won’t expose any of my employees – absolutely not,” Guesto said
Audit of juvenile dentention center reveals costly arrangement
BY MICHAEL P. BUFFER
STAFF WRITER Citizen’s Voice
10/26/2007
Luzerne County will lose $2 million a year in state funding because the cost to rent a juvenile detention center — at least $2.9 million a year — is unreasonably excessive, according to an audit finding disclosed by County Commissioner Stephen A. Urban.
Last month, the state released copies of a draft audit to PA Child Care, owner of the 60-bed juvenile center in Pittston Township, and county Children and Youth director Frank Castano. Castano and County Manager Sam Guesto refused to give a copy to Urban, the Republican minority commissioner.
Urban said Thursday he got a copy this week directly from the state, and he accused Guesto and Commissioner Chairman Greg Skrepenak of trying suppress audit findings until after the Nov. 6 election.
“This should have been brought to the immediate attention of the full board of commissioners,” Urban said. “He doesn’t belong in office.”
Skrepenak, a Democrat, and Urban are both seeking another term. Skrepenak said the draft audit was being kept from county commissioners because PA Child Care threatened to file a lawsuit if information from the draft audit was given to the press.
On Wednesday, Skrepenak said Urban could not be trusted with a copy of the draft audit, and on Thursday, Skrepenak said Urban proved him right. He called Urban “a coward” for talking to the press about the audit and not talking to other county officials.
Guesto Eyes Meeting With Juvie Center: County Wants to Buy PA Child Care Facility or Renegotiate the Lease.
From: The Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.) | Date: 10/31/2007
Oct. 31--Luzerne County Chief Clerk/Manager Sam Guesto said he is trying to set up a meeting with PA Child Care to discuss the possibility of buying its Pittston Township juvenile detention center or renegotiating the county's lease to use the facility.
"I'm very hopeful that it will take place this week," Guesto said.
Guesto said he is seeking the meeting based on "guidance" he received from another conference call meeting with the state on Tuesday.
"We're hoping that PA Child Care will be cooperative with the issues that the state has on the table for us to try to implement going forward," Guesto said.
County couldn’t validate savings at juvenile center
BY MICHAEL P. BUFFER
STAFF WRITER
01/12/2008
Luzerne County “was unable to validate” a claim that a 20-year lease to use a privately-owned juvenile detention facility in Pittston Township reduced juvenile placement costs, according to a state audit report released Friday.
In response to a draft audit assessment that the county would lose $2 million a year in reimbursable state funding, county commissioners two weeks ago voted to terminate the lease by Feb. 29. The lease with facility owner Pennsylvania Child Care LLC began in 2005, and the cost was in excess of $2.9 million a year.
That annual cost, the state concluded, “could have instead been used as debt service for the borrowing of enough funds to construct and furnish at least three detention facilities.” In 2003, county Commissioner Stephen A. Urban and then-Commissioner Tom Makowski voted to borrow roughly $9 million for a new county-owned juvenile facility.
But in 2004, Greg Skrepenak and Todd Vonderheid became Democratic majority commissioners, and they agreed to the 20-year lease on Nov. 17, 2004 — 14 days after state officials discussed audit objectives with the facility owner.
And the rest is history.
You can read Jennifer's story at this link. Let me speculate on the last request. Please keep in mind that the following are excerpts from the articles cited.
04/18/2002
County closer to making move on detention center
By Fred Ney , Citizens' Voice Staff Writer
Luzerne County Engineer James Brozena studied the issue and more than a year ago told the commissioners it would cost the county about $9 million to build its own 32-bed facility.
Makowski said the county would have to float another bond to fund the project and that means a $9 million facility would wind up costing $17 to 18 million after computing interest charges.
12/12/2002
County close to renting juvenile detention facilities
By Fred Ney , Citizens' Voice Staff Writer
Meanwhile, Makowski has been adamant that he wants to build a new county facility rather than repair the old one or lease from Pennsylvania Child Care, the firm that is building the Pittston Township facility.
02/07/2003
New juvenile facility ready for business
By Fred Ney , Citizens' Voice Staff Writer
Pennsylvania Child Care, a new multi-million dollar juvenile detention and residential treatment center, opened Thursday in Pittston Township amid expectations that the facility will forge working relationships with many Pennsylvania county court systems, especially Luzerne's.
The facility is reported to cost $7.4 million; however, Zappala indicated that figure was too low when he spoke of having "eight figures" invested in the property.
The county commissioners Wednesday passed several motions creating contracts with seven different juvenile detention facilities in the state, including Pennsylvania Child Care. Commissioner Makowski stressed that the county has decided to build its own juvenile detention facility.
He and minority Commissioner Steve Urban joined to pass a $25 million bond issue, part of which is earmarked for a new juvenile detention center.
County Engineer Jim Brozena said the project is being targeted for construction on an 88-acre county tract behind the county's Valley Crest Nursing Home in Plains Township.
Projections call for the facility to be completed 18 to 30 months from groundbreaking.
By me
Nine million dollar construction cost financed at 5% per year should cost the County $14,017,481.66 over 20 years, not $58.1 million.
Mortgage Information
Loan amount $9,000,000.00
Term 20 years
Interest rate 4.800%
Monthly payment $58,406.17
Total payments $14,017,481.66
Total interest $5,017,481.66
03/06/2003
County OKs design plans for new juvenile detention center
By Fred Ney , Citizens' Voice Staff Writer
The new Luzerne County Juvenile Detention Center moved another step closer to reality Wednesday when the county commissioners approved spending $446,500 for design services.
12/31/2004
County declares emergency, OKs pact with juvenile care center
By James Conmy , Citizens' Voice Staff Writer
Luzerne County Commissioners Greg Skrepenak and Todd Vonderheid declared a state-of-emergency Thursday to ratify four short-term contracts with service providers for a Pittston Township juvenile care center. The county will begin a 20-year, $58 million lease for the facility with Pennsylvania Child Care on Jan. 1. All contracts with service providers at the facility expire Dec. 31.
The most expensive deal was with Northwestern Human Services, which will oversee juveniles 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The firm will bill the county $193,000 monthly.
An emergency was declared to bypass normal advertising requirements for services, Vonderheid said.
Commissioner Stephen Urban did not support any of the contracts. He said declaring the emergency was unnecessary and proves Vonderheid and Skrepenak acted on the lease too quickly.
Other contracts approved were for food service, custodial and maintenance service, and health insurance. They were all for 120 days, except the custodial and maintenance contract, which is for 30 days.
Do you think Vonderheid is out of the woods on this one??? If there was an emergency why weren't the food service, custodial, and maintenance service contracts for 20 years??
07/16/2005
County officials say juvie center lease saving money
By James Conmy , Staff Writer CV
One of Luzerne County's biggest budget problems is more cost-effective thanks to the lease of a Pittston Township juvenile center, said Sam Diaz, county chief of budget and finance.
Total expenses at the facility through the first six months of 2005 are $2.1 million, or 42 percent of the year's anticipated $5 million budget, Diaz said.
On the revenue side, the county estimated receiving $5.2 million from the facility in 2005. With $2.2 million billed through June and a more aggressive marketing campaign in place, the projections are on target, Diaz said.
In fact, with other cost-cutting measures implemented by Judge Mark Ciavarella, the county has spent $1.8 million less on juvenile placements than it did through June 2004, Diaz said. The juvenile placement line item finished last year about $3 million over budget.
"It's not all doom and gloom here," Diaz said. "(The juvenile placement budget) is on track. It's exactly where I expect. It's definitely not losing money."
Sam Diaz just got done telling us how much Luzerne County was "saving" with juvenile placements.
11/18/2005
Audit criticizes county's handling of facility lease
By:James Conmy CV
Luzerne County officials' failure to understand state regulations and an inability to negotiate juvenile placement rates cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to a draft audit conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.
The draft audit is a component of a lawsuit against Luzerne County Controller Steve Flood and two state employees that was unsealed Wednesday by Pennsylvania Superior Court. The suit filed by Pennsylvania ChildCare, the owners of a Pittston Township juvenile care center, attempted to stop Flood from releasing the contents of the draft audit.
The draft audit details how Pennsylvania ChildCare overcharged the county by approximately $286,000 for juveniles transferred within the facility. It also outlines how the corporation made a $1.2 million profit in 2003, due largely to $1 million in daily rates to house juveniles "not reflective of a standard computation."
Most care facilities' daily rates are based on the cost of housing juveniles divided by the number of days they stay at the facility. Pennsylvania ChildCare's rates were based on state averages - not the formula, according to the draft audit.
"The county should use the rates, based on actual costs, as the basis for negotiating rates," the draft audit stated. "The county is in an excellent position to negotiate rates for without Luzerne County this detention/secure facility would have some difficulty filling the beds."
Luzerne County Commissioners have an opportunity to renegotiate the lease to lower the costs in accordance with the recommendations from the Department of Welfare Audit. It would be the prudent move according to their fiduciary duty and duties of loyalty and care. Instead look what they did.
01/06/2006
County expects subsidies will offset higher lease for juvenile center
By James Conmy , Staff Writer
The cost of Luzerne County's lease of a Pittston Township juvenile care center will increase by approximately $1.35 million in 2006, a new expense that does not alarm most county officials.
This year, the county will pay an additional $600,000, for an annual total of $2.9 million, to Pennsylvania ChildCare, the facility's owner. Mid Atlantic Youth Services will receive another $750,000, or $3.4 million annually, to manage and staff the facility.
Of the 60 beds at the facility, 44 were filled Thursday. Empty beds come at a cost, Urban said.
The Commissioners take the bond issue that was previously approved for a juvenile detention center and use it to fund a new county prison. Why is it cheaper to build a new county prison than lease one? How can the same Commissioners come to two different conclusions on basically the same issue? If the bond issue was for other purposes can they simply take that money for a different purpose?
As you can see the estimate for the new prison is $68 million. In an article that appeared in the Hazleton Standard Speaker on June 19, 2007 “Skrepenak: Weekend Lockdown at Luzerne County prison had 'snowball effect' I am particularly intrigued by the statement "County officials are considering a new prison that could cost $100 million and have more than 20 offers for a new prison site." In a little over a year the projected price has increased by $32 million or 47 percent. To me it points to a backroom effort hoping it will go unnoticed.
04/14/2006
County jail design will cost $2.5 million
BY JAMES CONMY STAFF WRITER
WILKES-BARRE Luzerne County officials are poised to spend more than $2.5 million to design a new prison even though construction on the jail may not begin for years.
The money to finance the new prison’s design will come from about $30 million in bond money the county borrowed for other projects, but has not expended to date, Skrepenak said.
Design costs are typically 5 percent to 7 percent of the estimated construction costs, Larry Bickford, a representative of Kimball and Associates, said during the work session. County officials negotiated a cost of about 4.25 percent of the estimated $68 million construction cost because of the uncertain construction date, said Sam Guesto, county manager.
Certain personnel in Luzerne County see an opening to move kids from this facility to Pa ChildCare. The daily rate at this facility was only $103.00 according to board member who is a friend of mine. The public outcry coupled with the fact that the investigation was blown up to be more than it was foiled this attempt.
10/26/2006
State investigates West Hazleton child care facility
BY ROBERT KALINOWSKI
STAFF WRITER
WEST HAZLETON A child care facility that houses Luzerne County Children and Youth clients is under investigation by the state Department of Welfare for allegations made by two residents that they were physically abused, officials said.
In response, the county has taken 12 residents from the facility’s custody, county spokeswoman Kathy Bozinski said.
Department of Public Welfare spokeswoman Stacey Ward disputes that, saying, “That recommendation was not made.”
03/04/2007
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY
By James Conmy , Staff Writer CV
The latest turmoil unfolded when Skrepenak and fellow Commissioner Todd Vonderheid authorized a $58 million deal to lease the new facility, vowing the 20-year deal would lower Luzerne County’s juvenile costs and bring in revenue by housing juveniles from other counties at the facility.
The Democratic majority commissioners approved the deal despite draft papers Flood presented from a state audit showing Powell and Zappala overbilled the county by $200,000 for juveniles housed at the facility. A lawsuit filed against the state by Powell and Zappala have so far prevented the audit from being completed.
Juvie draft audit withheld
Children and Youth chief won’t release it to county commissioners.
By Jennifer Learn-Andes jandes@timesleader.com
Luzerne County Reporter October 7, 2007
Luzerne County has received the state’s juvenile detention center draft audit, but county officials are confused about who gets to see it.
The state Department of Public Welfare e-mailed the audit to county Children and Youth director Frank Castano on Sept. 25.
County chief clerk/manager Sam Guesto said Castano has not forwarded a copy to county commissioners because the cover letter contained a warning, in bold print, that the information must be “safeguarded against unauthorized use.”
Guesto said he checked with the county solicitor’s office, which raised a concern that Castano could be held liable if the information was improperly released by other county officials.
That doesn’t sit well with minority Commissioner Stephen A. Urban. He said commissioners – not Castano – oversee the county and the Pittston Township facility. He sent Castano an e-mail Friday seeking a copy of documents sent by the state, but Castano has not replied.
“When these audits or any type of reports come to managers, they should ensure through e-mail or phone conversation that their bosses know about them and provide them with a copy,” Urban said.
State welfare spokeswoman Anne Bale said Monday afternoon that Castano is free to give copies to the county commissioners.
“There’s nothing stopping the county Children and Youth from giving it to county commissioners. They’re welcome to it,” Bale said.
But Guesto said he wants to see permission in writing because the state’s warning letter “brings up thoughts of litigation.” Better yet, he said the state should send a copy to each commissioner.
“I won’t expose any of my employees – absolutely not,” Guesto said
Audit of juvenile dentention center reveals costly arrangement
BY MICHAEL P. BUFFER
STAFF WRITER Citizen’s Voice
10/26/2007
Luzerne County will lose $2 million a year in state funding because the cost to rent a juvenile detention center — at least $2.9 million a year — is unreasonably excessive, according to an audit finding disclosed by County Commissioner Stephen A. Urban.
Last month, the state released copies of a draft audit to PA Child Care, owner of the 60-bed juvenile center in Pittston Township, and county Children and Youth director Frank Castano. Castano and County Manager Sam Guesto refused to give a copy to Urban, the Republican minority commissioner.
Urban said Thursday he got a copy this week directly from the state, and he accused Guesto and Commissioner Chairman Greg Skrepenak of trying suppress audit findings until after the Nov. 6 election.
“This should have been brought to the immediate attention of the full board of commissioners,” Urban said. “He doesn’t belong in office.”
Skrepenak, a Democrat, and Urban are both seeking another term. Skrepenak said the draft audit was being kept from county commissioners because PA Child Care threatened to file a lawsuit if information from the draft audit was given to the press.
On Wednesday, Skrepenak said Urban could not be trusted with a copy of the draft audit, and on Thursday, Skrepenak said Urban proved him right. He called Urban “a coward” for talking to the press about the audit and not talking to other county officials.
Guesto Eyes Meeting With Juvie Center: County Wants to Buy PA Child Care Facility or Renegotiate the Lease.
From: The Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.) | Date: 10/31/2007
Oct. 31--Luzerne County Chief Clerk/Manager Sam Guesto said he is trying to set up a meeting with PA Child Care to discuss the possibility of buying its Pittston Township juvenile detention center or renegotiating the county's lease to use the facility.
"I'm very hopeful that it will take place this week," Guesto said.
Guesto said he is seeking the meeting based on "guidance" he received from another conference call meeting with the state on Tuesday.
"We're hoping that PA Child Care will be cooperative with the issues that the state has on the table for us to try to implement going forward," Guesto said.
County couldn’t validate savings at juvenile center
BY MICHAEL P. BUFFER
STAFF WRITER
01/12/2008
Luzerne County “was unable to validate” a claim that a 20-year lease to use a privately-owned juvenile detention facility in Pittston Township reduced juvenile placement costs, according to a state audit report released Friday.
In response to a draft audit assessment that the county would lose $2 million a year in reimbursable state funding, county commissioners two weeks ago voted to terminate the lease by Feb. 29. The lease with facility owner Pennsylvania Child Care LLC began in 2005, and the cost was in excess of $2.9 million a year.
That annual cost, the state concluded, “could have instead been used as debt service for the borrowing of enough funds to construct and furnish at least three detention facilities.” In 2003, county Commissioner Stephen A. Urban and then-Commissioner Tom Makowski voted to borrow roughly $9 million for a new county-owned juvenile facility.
But in 2004, Greg Skrepenak and Todd Vonderheid became Democratic majority commissioners, and they agreed to the 20-year lease on Nov. 17, 2004 — 14 days after state officials discussed audit objectives with the facility owner.
And the rest is history.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
State Audits $4 Million Paid To Allegheny Valley School Head
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Reiview is reporting that the state Department of Public Welfare is auditing a compensation package given to Regis Champ, head of Allegheny Valley School. His compensation package for 2008 was $4 million dollars.
The state is auditing Allegheny Valley's parent company, Northwestern Human Services in Lafayette Hill, and the $495,535 salary of its president and chief executive, M. Joseph Rocks, a former state senator.
"I thought it was pretty large," said Kevin Casey, deputy secretary for the department's Office of Developmental Programs, about Champ's compensation package. The office oversees programs dealing with mental health and mental retardation.
"Frankly, I was not happy with it. I've never heard of anything of that size in 40 years," Casey said.
The Trib reported Aug. 30 that Champ received a $3.98 million package. It was supposed to be spread over 10 years, but was paid to Champ last year when Allegheny Valley was sold to Northwestern Human Services, said Northwestern spokesman Kevin Feeley.
Do you remember Northwestern Youth Services? You should.
To address the immediate problem created when Judge Conahan shut down the Luzerne facility for use the privately owned juvenile detention facility in Pittston Township among others was approved for use by the Luzerne County commissioners on February 5, 2003 .The centers approved for use include: Northwestern Youth Services, $186.60 per diem; Pennsylvania Child Care, $268 per diem; Lackawanna County Juvenile Detention Center, $200 per diem; Dauphin County Juvenile Detention Center, $288 per diem; Northampton County Juvenile Detention Center, $195 per diem and Lebanon County Juvenile Detention Center, $160 per diem.
02/07/2003
New juvenile facility ready for business
By Fred Ney , Citizens' Voice Staff Writer
Luzerne County President Judge Michael Conahan, who was not present at Thursday's grand opening, commented later in the day that the county sends Northwestern from 140 to 160 juveniles annually for long-term residential treatment services.
Here's more on the legal filing by the Times Leader in the matter of PA ChildCare LLC vs. Steve Flood, Thomas Crofcheck, and Leonard Pocius to have the record unsealed mentioning Northwestern Human Services.
For some there just never is enough money on the planet.
The state is auditing Allegheny Valley's parent company, Northwestern Human Services in Lafayette Hill, and the $495,535 salary of its president and chief executive, M. Joseph Rocks, a former state senator.
"I thought it was pretty large," said Kevin Casey, deputy secretary for the department's Office of Developmental Programs, about Champ's compensation package. The office oversees programs dealing with mental health and mental retardation.
"Frankly, I was not happy with it. I've never heard of anything of that size in 40 years," Casey said.
The Trib reported Aug. 30 that Champ received a $3.98 million package. It was supposed to be spread over 10 years, but was paid to Champ last year when Allegheny Valley was sold to Northwestern Human Services, said Northwestern spokesman Kevin Feeley.
Do you remember Northwestern Youth Services? You should.
To address the immediate problem created when Judge Conahan shut down the Luzerne facility for use the privately owned juvenile detention facility in Pittston Township among others was approved for use by the Luzerne County commissioners on February 5, 2003 .The centers approved for use include: Northwestern Youth Services, $186.60 per diem; Pennsylvania Child Care, $268 per diem; Lackawanna County Juvenile Detention Center, $200 per diem; Dauphin County Juvenile Detention Center, $288 per diem; Northampton County Juvenile Detention Center, $195 per diem and Lebanon County Juvenile Detention Center, $160 per diem.
02/07/2003
New juvenile facility ready for business
By Fred Ney , Citizens' Voice Staff Writer
Luzerne County President Judge Michael Conahan, who was not present at Thursday's grand opening, commented later in the day that the county sends Northwestern from 140 to 160 juveniles annually for long-term residential treatment services.
Here's more on the legal filing by the Times Leader in the matter of PA ChildCare LLC vs. Steve Flood, Thomas Crofcheck, and Leonard Pocius to have the record unsealed mentioning Northwestern Human Services.
For some there just never is enough money on the planet.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Legislator X- Questions That Need Answers
How many times were you a passenger in N69WU? On the day of the announcement of the proposed Cargo Airport did you fly aboard N69WU to be present for said announcement? Did you declare any trips on your election campaign finance forms or the ethics filings? Were you the recipient of any cash donations from any indicted participants in the Luzerne County Courthouse investigation? Keep in mind that no allegations are being made just asking legitimate questions given known relationships. Your reluctance to answer media questions including Steve Corbett regarding these issues so far begs probing.
In case you need Wiggle room:
In case you need Wiggle room:
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Robert Mericle- No Miracle Could Avoid Pleading Guilty
Thursday, August 13, 2009 11:26 am Times Leader website
UPDATE: Mericle to donate $2.15 million to benefit children under conditions of plea agreement
SCRANTON - Developer Robert Mericle has agreed to voluntarily donate $2.15 million to a fund that will benefit the welfare of children in Luzerne County as part of a plea agreement to federal charges.
The agreement, which was signed Friday, calls for Mericle to plead guilty to one count of failing to report a felony. Prosecutors say Mericle failed to disclose his knowledge that former judges Michael Conahan and Mark Ciavarella had accepted kickbacks in exchange for rulings that benefited the PA and Western PA juvenile detention centers that Mericle built.
It was inescapable that a businessman would allow money to pass through his account and not be "accountable"- pun intended.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Skrepenak- "I was as shocked as everyone else.."
Jennifer Learn-Andes reported in the Times Leader that Greg Skrepenak, Luzerne County Commissioner, stated he was as shocked as everyone else" to learn his father was testifying before a grand jury looking into corruption in Northeastern Pennsylvania. According to the younger Skrepenak he wants to know but won't ask. Maybe he should revisit some of his votes as Luzerne County Commissioner to jog his memory.
For one, he voted to scrap the plans for Luzerne County to build its own juvenile detention center facility when he voted for leasing beds at PA ChildCare in December, 20004. The county had already spent $446,000.00 on architectural design work to build its own facility.
Imagine if the majority commissioners including Todd Vonderheid had stayed the course of the previous commissioners, Makowski and Pizano. Would those children have suffered like they did in juvenile court? There would have been no deal to send juveniles to PA ChildCare. For that action alone Skrepenak should not seek re-election. Read my previous posts for more suspect votes on this issue.
He may not be charged but it is like an audit. Audits don't always find wrongdoing but they definitely find stupidity in the decision process. He is quoted in the Times Leader article as saying "The hardest part is that people will theorize and speculate,”.
Skrep, what I write is not speculation or theories but the facts as presented at the time in news articles and known votes.
You should have to answer for this statement in the Times Leader article.
The commissioner said he wants to make it clear that he has no financial or ownership connection to Big Ugly’s. The commissioner, a former NFL lineman, had wanted to open the establishment, but could not own a liquor license because of his position in county government.
“I’m very rarely there, and I pay for my meals and everything when I’m there,” he said.
If you are rarely there as a commissioner why do we need to pay you?
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
More On Juvenile Detention Center Issue Relevant to Subpoena of Luzerne County Commissioner Minutes
From James Convy Citizen's Voice 07/16/2005
County officials say juvie center lease saving money
One of Luzerne County's biggest budget problems is more cost-effective thanks to the lease of a Pittston Township juvenile center, said Sam Diaz, county chief of budget and finance.
Total expenses at the facility through the first six months of 2005 are $2.1 million, or 42 percent of the year's anticipated $5 million budget, Diaz said.
On the revenue side, the county estimated receiving $5.2 million from the facility in 2005. With $2.2 million billed through June and a more aggressive marketing campaign in place, the projections are on target, Diaz said.
In fact, with other cost-cutting measures implemented by Judge Mark Ciavarella, the county has spent $1.8 million less on juvenile placements than it did through June 2004, Diaz said. The juvenile placement line item finished last year about $3 million over budget.
"It's not all doom and gloom here," Diaz said. "(The juvenile placement budget) is on track. It's exactly where I expect. It's definitely not losing money."
Minority Commissioner Stephen Urban did not back down from his belief the county should build or buy a facility. He was not disappointed juvenile placement numbers were down, but claimed the figures are inflated by high charges levied by the county.
"
We could have entered into a 20-year lease for $100 million if we hike up the rates enough to pay the bills," Urban said. "The lease of the facility for $58 million, when records in the county reflect the facility only cost $6.7 million to build, is excessive. We're passing that cost onto the federal government."
Note: He was referring to federal funding paying about 66 percent toward the cost of housing juveniles in the facility.
Skrepenak insists the per-day rates are not excessive. To defend his point, he referred to a facility in Berks County that charges $8 more per day for detention than Luzerne County's $290 per-day rate.
Note: Urban is exposing the scheme but no one is listening.
County officials say juvie center lease saving money
One of Luzerne County's biggest budget problems is more cost-effective thanks to the lease of a Pittston Township juvenile center, said Sam Diaz, county chief of budget and finance.
Total expenses at the facility through the first six months of 2005 are $2.1 million, or 42 percent of the year's anticipated $5 million budget, Diaz said.
On the revenue side, the county estimated receiving $5.2 million from the facility in 2005. With $2.2 million billed through June and a more aggressive marketing campaign in place, the projections are on target, Diaz said.
In fact, with other cost-cutting measures implemented by Judge Mark Ciavarella, the county has spent $1.8 million less on juvenile placements than it did through June 2004, Diaz said. The juvenile placement line item finished last year about $3 million over budget.
"It's not all doom and gloom here," Diaz said. "(The juvenile placement budget) is on track. It's exactly where I expect. It's definitely not losing money."
Minority Commissioner Stephen Urban did not back down from his belief the county should build or buy a facility. He was not disappointed juvenile placement numbers were down, but claimed the figures are inflated by high charges levied by the county.
"
We could have entered into a 20-year lease for $100 million if we hike up the rates enough to pay the bills," Urban said. "The lease of the facility for $58 million, when records in the county reflect the facility only cost $6.7 million to build, is excessive. We're passing that cost onto the federal government."
Note: He was referring to federal funding paying about 66 percent toward the cost of housing juveniles in the facility.
Skrepenak insists the per-day rates are not excessive. To defend his point, he referred to a facility in Berks County that charges $8 more per day for detention than Luzerne County's $290 per-day rate.
Note: Urban is exposing the scheme but no one is listening.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Juvenile Detention Center Or Is That Front And Center Stage?
Skrep's dad had his day before the grand jury. Is it related to a subpoena for Luzerne County Commissioner meeting minutes from 2004 to 2007?
A look at the Juvenile Detention Center issue.
New Luzerne County Commissioners, Greg Skrepenak and Todd Vonderheid took office on January 1, 2004. At the end of the year they suddenly decide there is an “emergency” when in fact they had been paying PA ChildCare on a per diem basis for almost two years. On what grounds can they claim an emergency when they already were contracting with PA ChildCare and other facilities throughout the state. They can’t claim there was a capacity issue because the bed census was not at 100% throughout the state or at PA ChildCare. One Commissioner admits bypassing the normal bidding process.
Citizens Voice article 12/31/2004
"An emergency was declared to bypass normal advertising requirements for services, Vonderheid said."
Another Commissioner points out that this lease was costing Luzerne County more money than need be.
Citizens Voice article 12/31/2004
Commissioner Stephen Urban did not support any of the contracts. He said declaring the emergency was unnecessary and proves Vonderheid and Skrepenak acted on the lease too quickly.
Urban continues to push for the county to construct a new facility. He said the cost to taxpayers would decrease by $90 per bed, per day.
"We're spending $4,000 a day more by leasing, rather than building," Urban said. "This was poor management on the part of the majority commissioners."
According to officials at the Committee of Seventy (215-447-3600 Ext. 104) in Philadelphia such a tactic is absurd and should not be tolerated.
Commissioner Vonderheid tries to cover his tracks by asking for the results of the audit being conducted by the State Department of Public Welfare when he already voted for the lease. Once you enter a lease it is very difficult to break. Vonderheid justifies the lease cost based on prices paid for the last three years. Again, if they are doing it for the last three years where was the emergency?
Citizens Voice article 12/31/2004
Vonderheid's letter to Estelle Richman, secretary of the Department of Public Welfare, asking to expedite an audit, which allegedly warns the lease is a bad deal for taxpayers, is too late, Urban said.
"He didn't do his due diligence on this," Urban said of Vonderheid. "His letter is nothing more than back tracking. He is asking questions that should have been asked before he signed the lease."
"The lease was based on rates approved for three straight years, by two different administrations," Vonderheid said.
Vonderheid states if the audit comes back and is unfavorable to PA ChildCare he will do what is right for the taxpayers. What were his actions when he found out about the results of the audit? Nothing.
Further, at the same meeting support services for the PA ChildCare facility are authorized for only 30 or 120 day periods. How can you have an emergency for the main facility but not the services that support it?
Citizens Voice article 12/31/2004
Other contracts approved were for food service, custodial and maintenance service, and health insurance. They were all for 120 days, except the custodial and maintenance contract, which is for 30 days.
It's just keeps getting better.
Friday, June 19, 2009
It Is Time To Call Todd Eachus Out
In an editorial that appeared in today's Standard Speaker Dan Guydish opines on the merits and good works that Todd Eachus did for his district and Pennsylvania in general.
Let's examine Eachus's record. He voted himself a 16% pay raise in 2005 then refused to give it back. Keep in mind that this pay raise was on top of the cost of living adjustment legislators receive on a yearly basis.
A senior House Committee aide and Eachus staff Member, Rachel Manzo, was indicted in Bonusgate but as House Democratic Majority Policy Chairman Eachus claims no involvement.
Here is a letter he authored on the Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee website:
Welcome to the online home of the Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee. Democrats captured the Majority for the first time in 12 years in 2006.
Since January of 2007, Democrats have been hard at work changing business as usual and making progress on healthcare reform, energy reform, and economic development on behalf of Pennsylvania families.
In November 2008, House Democrats have historic opportunities to expand our Majority and continue our work on behalf of all Pennsylvanians.
Yours Truly,
Rep. Todd Eachus
Chairman, House Democratic Campaign Committee
Does Eachus really beleive that John Q. Public would believe the person who was chairman of the campaign committee did not know about all the state workers employed to capture the majority in the House, an act that didn't happen for the past twelve years?
According to Brad Bumsted at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review many of Eachus's aides were interviewed by the Attorney General's office.
Aides to House Democratic Policy Chairman Todd Eachus, D-Luzerne County, were recently interviewed by the attorney general's investigators, according to the Insider, a statewide political newsletter. The topic was the 2006 election, the Insider said. Eachus could not be reached for comment on Friday.
He responds to questions about Bonusgate and politicians who lost their seats over it by stating "(Bonusgate) did more damage than I thought." Todd, shouldn't you be denouncing the use of state employees for campaign purposes??? Here was your answer to that position. "It was the partisan way the Republican Campaign Committee used the issue to exemplify the partisan investigation by the attorney general," Eachus said.
He UNILATERALLY voted to pay off indicted Mike Veon's campaign debt totally $45,000.00. He defended his unilateral decision to bail out Veon, telling the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette he would have done the same thing for any Democrat who lost.
Yet, two of Veon's former Democratic colleagues, both of whom hail from Beaver County the same as Veon did, have campaign debts the committee hasn't offered to pay off. Rep. Sean Ramaley owes $7,000 from his first campaign for the state House in 2004 and Rep. Vincent Biancucci owes $12,000 from his 2002 and 2004 races, state records show.
Guess who's campaign Rachel Manza worked on while receiving state taxpayer's money? None other than Mike Veon.
Crooks are crooks period, Mr. Eachus. Each person in this world is repsonsible for his or her conduct. The fact that others may be doing the same thing does not exonerate that person from his or her conduct. Ask your buddy Robert Powell.
Eachus received $19,000.00 in donations from admitted felon Robert Powell, the disgraced attorney who used kids in a scheme to profit on the juvenile detention center in Luzerne County.
Here is a list of Powell's donations to Eachus, dates and amounts from www.campaignfinance.state.pa.us.
8/4/2004 $250.00
6/27/2008 $250.00
10/17/2000 $100.00
6/20/2001 $250.00
9/15/2000 $400.00
5/5/2004 $500.00
6/12/2006 $340.00
10/21/2004 $250.00
5/16/2002 $150.00
3/5/2004 $500.00
7/12/2005 $260.00
8/4/2004 $750.00
3/29/2005 $10,000.00
2/6/2007 $5,000.00
Eachus was front and center on the promotion of the cargo airport proposed by Powell et al. Eachus is a central figure in their media releases. Eachus was so supportive of the fantasy airport that he was willing to borrow $250 million and put the taxpayers of Pennsylvania on the hook for it. If the cargo airport succeeded it was going to take 16 years for Pennsylvania taxpayers to recoup their money.
To quote Guydish As far as helping local municipalities, non-profit agencies and government affiliates, Rep. Eachus has constantly delivered timely advice and financial assistance. He doesn't draw party lines in the process either. On really Danny. Ask the City of Hazleton how it is making out with the pension issue that could bankrupt Hazleton and the money for the Intermodel project? Like Yukon Cornelius, Nothin.
Eachus attended a hearing held by Rep. David Levdansky (D-Allegheny County) who is chairman of the House Finance Committee concerning the pension request in September of last year. It was televised live by PCN. Eachus didn't offer one word of support for Hazleton's request. He sat in the audience like Don Corleone making sure Levdansky did his bidding. About Levdansky- Levdansky has been arrested for DUI with blood-alcohol content registered
at 0.16 percent and had a Protection From Abuse Order against him from his former wife.
Here's what Todd Eachus had to say about supporting Powell's fantasy cargo airport.
“Why wouldn’t we deserve state funding?” he asked, when questioned about the $250 million in state money required to make the airport viable.
“We deserve in Northeastern Pennsylvania the same amount of money Philadelphia and Pittsburgh get” for capital budget projects like the new arena for the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team, he said.
The money will create jobs that are family-sustaining and high-paying, he said.
“This project means a lot to my community, and I’m not going away on it.”
Why does Pottsville deserve $15 million in funding for its intermodel project but the Majority Leader of the House cannot get funding for Hazleton's project? Do the workers in Hazleton not deserve employment? Why is Scranton and Nanticoke receiving funding for their projects? If Robert Powell was behind the Intermodel project would you borrow $11 million to help him?
As Majority Leader Hazleton should be the shining star in the state but Eachus has consistently refused, along party lines, to help Hazleton fostering and promoting Paul Kanjorski's pathetic stance and vow that Hazleton will never get a dime even though he posted funding for it on his website.
Hazleton is the biggest city in Eachus's district. Todd what have you done to earn its vote?
Let's recap. Todd Eachus- Rachel Manza, Mike Veon, Robert Powell, David Levdansky some nice company. Where's Archie when you want to watch "All In The Family'?
Let's examine Eachus's record. He voted himself a 16% pay raise in 2005 then refused to give it back. Keep in mind that this pay raise was on top of the cost of living adjustment legislators receive on a yearly basis.
A senior House Committee aide and Eachus staff Member, Rachel Manzo, was indicted in Bonusgate but as House Democratic Majority Policy Chairman Eachus claims no involvement.
Here is a letter he authored on the Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee website:
Welcome to the online home of the Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee. Democrats captured the Majority for the first time in 12 years in 2006.
Since January of 2007, Democrats have been hard at work changing business as usual and making progress on healthcare reform, energy reform, and economic development on behalf of Pennsylvania families.
In November 2008, House Democrats have historic opportunities to expand our Majority and continue our work on behalf of all Pennsylvanians.
Yours Truly,
Rep. Todd Eachus
Chairman, House Democratic Campaign Committee
Does Eachus really beleive that John Q. Public would believe the person who was chairman of the campaign committee did not know about all the state workers employed to capture the majority in the House, an act that didn't happen for the past twelve years?
According to Brad Bumsted at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review many of Eachus's aides were interviewed by the Attorney General's office.
Aides to House Democratic Policy Chairman Todd Eachus, D-Luzerne County, were recently interviewed by the attorney general's investigators, according to the Insider, a statewide political newsletter. The topic was the 2006 election, the Insider said. Eachus could not be reached for comment on Friday.
He responds to questions about Bonusgate and politicians who lost their seats over it by stating "(Bonusgate) did more damage than I thought." Todd, shouldn't you be denouncing the use of state employees for campaign purposes??? Here was your answer to that position. "It was the partisan way the Republican Campaign Committee used the issue to exemplify the partisan investigation by the attorney general," Eachus said.
He UNILATERALLY voted to pay off indicted Mike Veon's campaign debt totally $45,000.00. He defended his unilateral decision to bail out Veon, telling the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette he would have done the same thing for any Democrat who lost.
Yet, two of Veon's former Democratic colleagues, both of whom hail from Beaver County the same as Veon did, have campaign debts the committee hasn't offered to pay off. Rep. Sean Ramaley owes $7,000 from his first campaign for the state House in 2004 and Rep. Vincent Biancucci owes $12,000 from his 2002 and 2004 races, state records show.
Guess who's campaign Rachel Manza worked on while receiving state taxpayer's money? None other than Mike Veon.
Crooks are crooks period, Mr. Eachus. Each person in this world is repsonsible for his or her conduct. The fact that others may be doing the same thing does not exonerate that person from his or her conduct. Ask your buddy Robert Powell.
Eachus received $19,000.00 in donations from admitted felon Robert Powell, the disgraced attorney who used kids in a scheme to profit on the juvenile detention center in Luzerne County.
Here is a list of Powell's donations to Eachus, dates and amounts from www.campaignfinance.state.pa.us.
8/4/2004 $250.00
6/27/2008 $250.00
10/17/2000 $100.00
6/20/2001 $250.00
9/15/2000 $400.00
5/5/2004 $500.00
6/12/2006 $340.00
10/21/2004 $250.00
5/16/2002 $150.00
3/5/2004 $500.00
7/12/2005 $260.00
8/4/2004 $750.00
3/29/2005 $10,000.00
2/6/2007 $5,000.00
Eachus was front and center on the promotion of the cargo airport proposed by Powell et al. Eachus is a central figure in their media releases. Eachus was so supportive of the fantasy airport that he was willing to borrow $250 million and put the taxpayers of Pennsylvania on the hook for it. If the cargo airport succeeded it was going to take 16 years for Pennsylvania taxpayers to recoup their money.
To quote Guydish As far as helping local municipalities, non-profit agencies and government affiliates, Rep. Eachus has constantly delivered timely advice and financial assistance. He doesn't draw party lines in the process either. On really Danny. Ask the City of Hazleton how it is making out with the pension issue that could bankrupt Hazleton and the money for the Intermodel project? Like Yukon Cornelius, Nothin.
Eachus attended a hearing held by Rep. David Levdansky (D-Allegheny County) who is chairman of the House Finance Committee concerning the pension request in September of last year. It was televised live by PCN. Eachus didn't offer one word of support for Hazleton's request. He sat in the audience like Don Corleone making sure Levdansky did his bidding. About Levdansky- Levdansky has been arrested for DUI with blood-alcohol content registered
at 0.16 percent and had a Protection From Abuse Order against him from his former wife.
Here's what Todd Eachus had to say about supporting Powell's fantasy cargo airport.
“Why wouldn’t we deserve state funding?” he asked, when questioned about the $250 million in state money required to make the airport viable.
“We deserve in Northeastern Pennsylvania the same amount of money Philadelphia and Pittsburgh get” for capital budget projects like the new arena for the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team, he said.
The money will create jobs that are family-sustaining and high-paying, he said.
“This project means a lot to my community, and I’m not going away on it.”
Why does Pottsville deserve $15 million in funding for its intermodel project but the Majority Leader of the House cannot get funding for Hazleton's project? Do the workers in Hazleton not deserve employment? Why is Scranton and Nanticoke receiving funding for their projects? If Robert Powell was behind the Intermodel project would you borrow $11 million to help him?
As Majority Leader Hazleton should be the shining star in the state but Eachus has consistently refused, along party lines, to help Hazleton fostering and promoting Paul Kanjorski's pathetic stance and vow that Hazleton will never get a dime even though he posted funding for it on his website.
Hazleton is the biggest city in Eachus's district. Todd what have you done to earn its vote?
Let's recap. Todd Eachus- Rachel Manza, Mike Veon, Robert Powell, David Levdansky some nice company. Where's Archie when you want to watch "All In The Family'?
Monday, March 30, 2009
Legal Mess Fallout From Juvenile Detention Center Debacle
Michael Rubinkam and Mark Scolforo Of The Associated Press write an article featured in the Allentown Morning Call regarding the legal mess that will remain in reviewing the juvenile cases of Luzerne County's court fiasco. Judge Grimm was ordered by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to review some 2,500 cases to determine if there is a remedy needed for lack of legal representation when juveniles appeared in the courtroom of former disgraced Judge Mark Ciavarella.
As Rubikam and Scolforo explain that task will not be an easy one.
The judge handling the matter for the state Supreme Court now faces the more daunting task of figuring out how to restore the legal rights of children convicted of serious offenses without endangering the public's safety or creating new problems of restitution or sentencing.
''It's going to be an extraordinarily difficult matter to conclude,'' Berks County Senior Judge Arthur E. Grim, appointed to review thousands of cases handled by a disgraced Luzerne County judge dating to 2003, said Friday. ''At this point, I'm not prepared to tell you what the answer will be, because I don't know.''
Restitution plays an important role in Pennsylvania's juvenile courts and will factor into how the court disposes of the Ciavarella cases, said Jim Anderson, executive director of the state Juvenile Court Judges' Commission.
Also, a juvenile offense can raise the minimum sentence that an adult defendant gets in Pennsylvania, so any conclusions about expungement could, in some cases, result in early release of state prison inmates.
''Juvenile adjudication may prevent someone from being hired for certain kinds of jobs, may prevent someone from owning a firearm, all kinds of things,'' Anderson said.
Grim, who is chairman of the Juvenile Court Judges' Commission, said Friday that in some cases, a new trial might be the best solution. But that raises another problem -- Pennsylvania law prevents retrial of anyone who is at least 22 years old as a juvenile.
What cannot be lost in this process are that some of those cases involve juveniles justly sentenced for offenses like car theft, drug dealing, and assault. And more importantly we cannot lose sight of the affected victims of juvenile offenders in this process.
As Rubikam and Scolforo explain that task will not be an easy one.
The judge handling the matter for the state Supreme Court now faces the more daunting task of figuring out how to restore the legal rights of children convicted of serious offenses without endangering the public's safety or creating new problems of restitution or sentencing.
''It's going to be an extraordinarily difficult matter to conclude,'' Berks County Senior Judge Arthur E. Grim, appointed to review thousands of cases handled by a disgraced Luzerne County judge dating to 2003, said Friday. ''At this point, I'm not prepared to tell you what the answer will be, because I don't know.''
Restitution plays an important role in Pennsylvania's juvenile courts and will factor into how the court disposes of the Ciavarella cases, said Jim Anderson, executive director of the state Juvenile Court Judges' Commission.
Also, a juvenile offense can raise the minimum sentence that an adult defendant gets in Pennsylvania, so any conclusions about expungement could, in some cases, result in early release of state prison inmates.
''Juvenile adjudication may prevent someone from being hired for certain kinds of jobs, may prevent someone from owning a firearm, all kinds of things,'' Anderson said.
Grim, who is chairman of the Juvenile Court Judges' Commission, said Friday that in some cases, a new trial might be the best solution. But that raises another problem -- Pennsylvania law prevents retrial of anyone who is at least 22 years old as a juvenile.
What cannot be lost in this process are that some of those cases involve juveniles justly sentenced for offenses like car theft, drug dealing, and assault. And more importantly we cannot lose sight of the affected victims of juvenile offenders in this process.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
THEY SAT SILENT-WHY?
In today's Citizens Voice Michael Sisak writes a great piece about the silence out of the Luzerne County DA's Office over the juvenile detention center scam. The only problem I see with his piece is why he and the media did not ask questions sooner.
Take a look at my post from January 26, 2009 titled "DA Jackie Musto Carroll- Lets Ask You A Question". My post asked the questions at the time of the arrests. Here is a repost.
The Juvenile Law Center released a press release on April 28, 2008 that stated "Luzerne County is Worst Violator of Youth Civil Rights- Juvenile Law Center, a Philadelphia-based public interest law firm, filed a petition to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court today requesting immediate, emergency relief on behalf of Luzerne County youth who have been the subject of delinquency hearings without counsel since October 1, 2005 when Pennsylvania adopted the Rules of Juvenile Court Procedure."
The Center issued another press release on June 17,2008 titled "JLC Petitions PA Supreme Court for Extraordinary Relief for Hundreds of Youth Tried Without the Benefit of Lawyers". In the body of the release it states "The Luzerne County District Attorney and the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) filed briefs on behalf of the Juvenile Court urging the Supreme Court not to take jurisdiction. JLC filed a response."
A second request was placed before the Supreme Court by the Juvenile Law Center in December. DA Musto-Carroll filed a brief against the Juvenile Law Center's efforts.
DA Musto-Carroll's argument to the court contained the following statement "The Petitioners have not shown that the issue is of such immediate public importance that extraordinary jurisdiction is required. Nor have the Petitioners clearly demonstrate that their rights have been violated. In addition the Petitioners allegations regarding other juveniles who may be similarly situated have not shown that such individuals even exist."
Oh really???
On page 14 of the indictment against Ciavarella and Conahan it reads "It was further a part of the scheme and artifice to defraud that, on numerous occassions, accused juvenile offenders were ordered detained by the defendant Mark A. Ciavarella, Jr. even when Juvenile Probation Officers did not recommend detention. The defendant Mark A. Ciavarella, Jr., at others operating at his behest, also exherted pressure on staff of the Court of Common Pleas to recommend detention of juvenile offenders. On some occassions, probation officers were pressured to change recommendations of release to recommendations of detention.
Tom Corbett, Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania supported the Juvenile Law Center's efforts to secure Supreme Court review. The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare filed a similar brief supporting a Supreme Court review. Yet, DA Musto-Carroll chose otherwise.
In today's press conference DA Musto-Carroll isquoted as saying "I think this is the beginning of the end of the darkest days of our county. We can look at this as a bright spot that things have been turned around and no longer will these sorts of things be tolerated."
Her brief filed in opposition to the Juvenile Law Center demonstrates an acute ignorance of the investigation going on around her. The Supreme Court's refusal to hear children's complaints of massive rights violations in Luzerne County demands public outrage at the arrogance of the court in light of this indictment.
DA Musto-Carroll- Were you not aware of an investigation into PA ChildCare to the extent that you foiled attempts to protect children from long range mental problems over injustice?
From the press release of U.S. Attorney Martin Carlson dated January 26, 2009 at the bottom of page 4- "Mr. Carlson further noted that Luzerne County District Attorney Jackie Carroll worked closely with federal investigators and the United States Attorney's Office in assisting in the investigation." It is hard to comprehend how DA Carroll could write a brief in opposition knowing the facts she must have known given that statement.
Her statments in today's Citizen's Voice article. “Nobody knew the judge was committing any crimes at the time,” Musto Carroll said. “The judge was considered a zero-tolerance, very strict sentencing judge. There was nothing to indicate the judge was doing anything out of the ordinary.”...“We now know what was happening in Judge Ciavarella’s courtroom and our office is committed to seeing that justice is served,” Musto Carroll said.
I asked similar questions on January 27, 2009 of Judge Lupas when he was District Attorney.
Take a look at my post from January 26, 2009 titled "DA Jackie Musto Carroll- Lets Ask You A Question". My post asked the questions at the time of the arrests. Here is a repost.
The Juvenile Law Center released a press release on April 28, 2008 that stated "Luzerne County is Worst Violator of Youth Civil Rights- Juvenile Law Center, a Philadelphia-based public interest law firm, filed a petition to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court today requesting immediate, emergency relief on behalf of Luzerne County youth who have been the subject of delinquency hearings without counsel since October 1, 2005 when Pennsylvania adopted the Rules of Juvenile Court Procedure."
The Center issued another press release on June 17,2008 titled "JLC Petitions PA Supreme Court for Extraordinary Relief for Hundreds of Youth Tried Without the Benefit of Lawyers". In the body of the release it states "The Luzerne County District Attorney and the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) filed briefs on behalf of the Juvenile Court urging the Supreme Court not to take jurisdiction. JLC filed a response."
A second request was placed before the Supreme Court by the Juvenile Law Center in December. DA Musto-Carroll filed a brief against the Juvenile Law Center's efforts.
DA Musto-Carroll's argument to the court contained the following statement "The Petitioners have not shown that the issue is of such immediate public importance that extraordinary jurisdiction is required. Nor have the Petitioners clearly demonstrate that their rights have been violated. In addition the Petitioners allegations regarding other juveniles who may be similarly situated have not shown that such individuals even exist."
Oh really???
On page 14 of the indictment against Ciavarella and Conahan it reads "It was further a part of the scheme and artifice to defraud that, on numerous occassions, accused juvenile offenders were ordered detained by the defendant Mark A. Ciavarella, Jr. even when Juvenile Probation Officers did not recommend detention. The defendant Mark A. Ciavarella, Jr., at others operating at his behest, also exherted pressure on staff of the Court of Common Pleas to recommend detention of juvenile offenders. On some occassions, probation officers were pressured to change recommendations of release to recommendations of detention.
Tom Corbett, Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania supported the Juvenile Law Center's efforts to secure Supreme Court review. The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare filed a similar brief supporting a Supreme Court review. Yet, DA Musto-Carroll chose otherwise.
In today's press conference DA Musto-Carroll isquoted as saying "I think this is the beginning of the end of the darkest days of our county. We can look at this as a bright spot that things have been turned around and no longer will these sorts of things be tolerated."
Her brief filed in opposition to the Juvenile Law Center demonstrates an acute ignorance of the investigation going on around her. The Supreme Court's refusal to hear children's complaints of massive rights violations in Luzerne County demands public outrage at the arrogance of the court in light of this indictment.
DA Musto-Carroll- Were you not aware of an investigation into PA ChildCare to the extent that you foiled attempts to protect children from long range mental problems over injustice?
From the press release of U.S. Attorney Martin Carlson dated January 26, 2009 at the bottom of page 4- "Mr. Carlson further noted that Luzerne County District Attorney Jackie Carroll worked closely with federal investigators and the United States Attorney's Office in assisting in the investigation." It is hard to comprehend how DA Carroll could write a brief in opposition knowing the facts she must have known given that statement.
Her statments in today's Citizen's Voice article. “Nobody knew the judge was committing any crimes at the time,” Musto Carroll said. “The judge was considered a zero-tolerance, very strict sentencing judge. There was nothing to indicate the judge was doing anything out of the ordinary.”...“We now know what was happening in Judge Ciavarella’s courtroom and our office is committed to seeing that justice is served,” Musto Carroll said.
I asked similar questions on January 27, 2009 of Judge Lupas when he was District Attorney.
Friday, March 27, 2009
ABC News "20/20" Feature Judges On Jailing Kids For Cash Segment
Read the story and watch the video on their webstie. Watch the story on "20/20" tonight at 10 p.m. ET.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
BREAKING NEWS:Justices Dispensing A Sign Of Justice
ABCnews.com is reporting that hundreds of juvenile cases in Luzerne County have been overturned by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Pennsylvania's highest court on Thursday overturned hundreds of juvenile convictions issued by a corrupt judge who took millions of dollars in kickbacks from youth detention centers.
The state Supreme Court ruled that former Luzerne County President Judge Mark Ciavarella violated the constitutional rights of youth offenders who appeared in his courtroom without lawyers between 2003 and 2008.
"Today's order is not intended to be a quick fix," Chief Justice Ronald Castille said in a statement. "It's going to take some time, but the Supreme Court is committed to righting whatever wrong was perpetrated on Luzerne's juveniles and their families."
Previous reports state Berks County Senior Judge Arthur Grim turned over his preliminary findingsin this case. Evidently the court acted on those findings.
Pennsylvania's highest court on Thursday overturned hundreds of juvenile convictions issued by a corrupt judge who took millions of dollars in kickbacks from youth detention centers.
The state Supreme Court ruled that former Luzerne County President Judge Mark Ciavarella violated the constitutional rights of youth offenders who appeared in his courtroom without lawyers between 2003 and 2008.
"Today's order is not intended to be a quick fix," Chief Justice Ronald Castille said in a statement. "It's going to take some time, but the Supreme Court is committed to righting whatever wrong was perpetrated on Luzerne's juveniles and their families."
Previous reports state Berks County Senior Judge Arthur Grim turned over his preliminary findingsin this case. Evidently the court acted on those findings.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Robert Mercile Hires High Profile Team In Civils Rights Case
The Citizen's Voice pulbished an article by Dave Janoski reporting that Robert Mericle, developer involved in the construction of PA ChildCare, hired a law firm from Philadelphia with a reputation for international law to represent himself and his company in two civil rights lawsuits.
Mericle’s Plains Township-based company, Mericle Construction Inc., was the source of nearly half of the $2.6 million in kickbacks paid to two Luzerne County judges who helped secure county contracts for juvenile detention centers Mericle built in Pittston Township and Butler County, federal prosecutors allege.
Although he does not face criminal charges, Mericle and his company have much at stake in the civil-rights claims filed by more than 175 former defendants in the county’s juvenile court. The suits seek millions in damages from Mericle, the judges, and other individuals and companies implicated in the federal case on the grounds that the juveniles were wrongly imprisoned and denied legal representation.
Mericle, 46, has retained Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, which has 1,400 lawyers in 22 offices in the United States and abroad and claims to represent more than 50 of the Fortune 100 companies.
This week, four attorneys from the firm asked U.S. District Judge A. Richard Caputo for permission to represent Mericle and his company in two of three suits. Caputo’s approval is required because the attorneys normally don’t practice in the U.S. Middle District, which includes Luzerne, Lackawanna and 31 other Pennsylvania counties. Caputo has jurisdiction over all three kids-for-cash cases. The third case has not progressed to the point where defense attorneys have filed notice with the court that they have been retained in the case.
Mericle is featured in the $2.6 Million Money Trail graphic authored by Gary Visgaitis of the Times Leader. It is alleged that over $1.15 million was wired transferred through Mericle Construction to the Pinnacle Group LLC linked to Ciavarella and Conahan. Again, he has not been charged with any crime.
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP has some interesting analysis of the 2009 Stimulus package on their site.
Mericle’s Plains Township-based company, Mericle Construction Inc., was the source of nearly half of the $2.6 million in kickbacks paid to two Luzerne County judges who helped secure county contracts for juvenile detention centers Mericle built in Pittston Township and Butler County, federal prosecutors allege.
Although he does not face criminal charges, Mericle and his company have much at stake in the civil-rights claims filed by more than 175 former defendants in the county’s juvenile court. The suits seek millions in damages from Mericle, the judges, and other individuals and companies implicated in the federal case on the grounds that the juveniles were wrongly imprisoned and denied legal representation.
Mericle, 46, has retained Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, which has 1,400 lawyers in 22 offices in the United States and abroad and claims to represent more than 50 of the Fortune 100 companies.
This week, four attorneys from the firm asked U.S. District Judge A. Richard Caputo for permission to represent Mericle and his company in two of three suits. Caputo’s approval is required because the attorneys normally don’t practice in the U.S. Middle District, which includes Luzerne, Lackawanna and 31 other Pennsylvania counties. Caputo has jurisdiction over all three kids-for-cash cases. The third case has not progressed to the point where defense attorneys have filed notice with the court that they have been retained in the case.
Mericle is featured in the $2.6 Million Money Trail graphic authored by Gary Visgaitis of the Times Leader. It is alleged that over $1.15 million was wired transferred through Mericle Construction to the Pinnacle Group LLC linked to Ciavarella and Conahan. Again, he has not been charged with any crime.
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP has some interesting analysis of the 2009 Stimulus package on their site.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Lack Of Oversight of The Pennsylvania Supreme Court
Why does Pa. Supreme Court tread so lightly around juvenile-rights tangle? And so asks John Baer of the Philadelphia Daily News.
I ask Chief Justice Ron Castille what took so long. "We had to wait for everybody else to answer," he says.
That would be the county court, the local D.A., and so on. Plus, Castille argues, Judge Ciavarella, within weeks of the April filing, pulled himself off juvenile cases and issued new written notices to charged kids and their parents about right-to-counsel.
Since nothing was alleged about kickbacks at that point (the judges were charged Jan. 26), Castille felt that the right-to-counsel issue was resolved and saw no need for Supreme Court intervention. What about the statistics, I ask? Didn't they cause you concern?
"Well, you know statistics. . . . There are lies, damn lies and statistics," he says.
(I hope he's kidding; government policy is built on statistics.)
Questioned further, he says, "We are not an investigative agency."
When I ask if he'd considered referring the statistics to an investigative agency, he says: "They weren't our statistics."
I start to sense a circular argument. What about possible public perception that since detention facilities in question are owned by Greg Zappala, son of former Chief Justice Stephen Zappala, the court might be, uh, slowed or swayed?
He laughs, calls me a cynic and says:
"No, Greg Zappala is a legitimate businessman, as far as I know."
Zappala is not charged, and reportedly is not a target of the probe.
Lack of judicial oversight allows such smugness in the answers to this reporter's questions. It almost legitimizes the label of ruling elite. Judge Castille, should not your judiciary be held to a higher standard than what we would accept in the private world? Why have judicial cannons if suspected behavior isn't reported to the proper investigative agencies?
We cannot let Jackie Musto-Carroll off the hook in this matter. She was co-operating with the FBI in their investigation of the corruption at the Luzerne County Courthouse. In the face of that co-operation she wrote a brief to the court containing the following statement "The Petitioners have not shown that the issue is of such immediate public importance that extraordinary jurisdiction is required. Nor have the Petitioners clearly demonstrate that their rights have been violated. In addition the Petitioners allegations regarding other juveniles who may be similarly situated have not shown that such individuals even exist."
From the press release of U.S. Attorney Martin Carlson dated January 26, 2009 "Mr. Carlson further noted that Luzerne County District Attorney Jackie Carroll worked closely with federal investigators and the United States Attorney's Office in assisting in the investigation." It is hard to comprehend how DA Carroll could write a brief in opposition knowing the facts she must have known given that statement.
I ask Chief Justice Ron Castille what took so long. "We had to wait for everybody else to answer," he says.
That would be the county court, the local D.A., and so on. Plus, Castille argues, Judge Ciavarella, within weeks of the April filing, pulled himself off juvenile cases and issued new written notices to charged kids and their parents about right-to-counsel.
Since nothing was alleged about kickbacks at that point (the judges were charged Jan. 26), Castille felt that the right-to-counsel issue was resolved and saw no need for Supreme Court intervention. What about the statistics, I ask? Didn't they cause you concern?
"Well, you know statistics. . . . There are lies, damn lies and statistics," he says.
(I hope he's kidding; government policy is built on statistics.)
Questioned further, he says, "We are not an investigative agency."
When I ask if he'd considered referring the statistics to an investigative agency, he says: "They weren't our statistics."
I start to sense a circular argument. What about possible public perception that since detention facilities in question are owned by Greg Zappala, son of former Chief Justice Stephen Zappala, the court might be, uh, slowed or swayed?
He laughs, calls me a cynic and says:
"No, Greg Zappala is a legitimate businessman, as far as I know."
Zappala is not charged, and reportedly is not a target of the probe.
Lack of judicial oversight allows such smugness in the answers to this reporter's questions. It almost legitimizes the label of ruling elite. Judge Castille, should not your judiciary be held to a higher standard than what we would accept in the private world? Why have judicial cannons if suspected behavior isn't reported to the proper investigative agencies?
We cannot let Jackie Musto-Carroll off the hook in this matter. She was co-operating with the FBI in their investigation of the corruption at the Luzerne County Courthouse. In the face of that co-operation she wrote a brief to the court containing the following statement "The Petitioners have not shown that the issue is of such immediate public importance that extraordinary jurisdiction is required. Nor have the Petitioners clearly demonstrate that their rights have been violated. In addition the Petitioners allegations regarding other juveniles who may be similarly situated have not shown that such individuals even exist."
From the press release of U.S. Attorney Martin Carlson dated January 26, 2009 "Mr. Carlson further noted that Luzerne County District Attorney Jackie Carroll worked closely with federal investigators and the United States Attorney's Office in assisting in the investigation." It is hard to comprehend how DA Carroll could write a brief in opposition knowing the facts she must have known given that statement.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Mr. Marsicano- A Few Questions For You
Mike Marsicano was "bashing the bishop" when he decided to do a public interview. Why he would appear on WILK RADIO with Steve Corbett is startling yet illustrates the arrogance surrounding the entire saga.
So I thought we could ask Mike a few public questions since he likes to talk to the public. Mike would you like to comment on this flight log for N69WU allegedly registered to 40 Degrees North LLC that has been attributed to you and Mr. Robert Powell?
25-Mar-2007 SBR1/L Lambert-St Louis Intl (KSTL) Morristown Muni (KMMU) 07:42PM CDT 10:37PM EDT 1:55
25-Mar-2007 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Lambert-St Louis Intl (KSTL) 06:21PM EDT 07:14PM CDT 1:53
25-Mar-2007 SBR1/L Mc Carran Intl (KLAS) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP) 10:07AM PDT 05:20PM EDT 4:13
23-Mar-2007 SBR1/L Lambert-St Louis Intl (KSTL) Mc Carran Intl (KLAS) 01:12PM CDT 02:28PM PDT 3:16
23-Mar-2007 SBR1/L Morristown Muni (KMMU) Lambert-St Louis Intl (KSTL) 10:48AM EDT 12:10PM CDT 2:22
23-Mar-2007 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Morristown Muni (KMMU) 09:52AM EDT 10:17AM EDT 0:25
In addition to the draft audit of Western PA Child Care where there is a bill for limousine service to the NCAA tournaments this information would seem to indicate that the jet was used to haul passengers from Morristown N.J. to the tournament. Care to comment??
On the following flight to Aruba would you care to comment who was on that flight?
09-Apr-2007 SBR1/L Daytona Beach Intl (KDAB) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP) 02:53PM EDT 04:48PM EDT 1:55
09-Apr-2007 SBR1/L Reina Beatrix Int'l (TNCA) Daytona Beach Intl (KDAB) 03:24PM GMT 02:23PM EDT 2:59
09-Apr-2007 SBR1/G Fort Lauderdale Executive (KFXE) Reina Beatrix Int'l (TNCA) 07:22AM EDT result unknown (?) n/a
01-Apr-2007 SBR1/I Reina Beatrix Int'l (TNCA) Fort Lauderdale Executive (KFXE) 08:44PM GMT 06:45PM EDT 2:01
01-Apr-2007 SBR1/G Daytona Beach Intl (KDAB) Reina Beatrix Int'l (TNCA) 11:19AM EDT result unknown (?) n/a
01-Apr-2007 SBR1/L Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP) Daytona Beach Intl (KDAB) 08:31AM EDT 10:39AM EDT 2:08
How about this flight to San Salvador?? Care to comment?
23-May-2007 SBR1/L Wilmington Intl (KILM) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 07:20PM EDT 08:12PM EDT 0:52
23-May-2007 SBR1/L Nassau Int'l (MYNN) Wilmington Intl (KILM) 09:21PM GMT 06:45PM EDT 1:24
23-May-2007 SBR1/A San Salvador (MYSM) Nassau Int'l (MYNN) 08:05PM GMT 09:43PM GMT 1:38
23-May-2007 SBR1/G Nassau Int'l (MYNN) San Salvador (MYSM) 07:21PM GMT 07:48PM GMT 0:27
23-May-2007 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Nassau Int'l (MYNN) 12:13PM EDT 06:27PM GMT 2:14
You stated on Corbett that the last time you flew the plane was about a year ago. Let's see that would be around January/February sometime right? Can you explain the following flight information to the public who is very curious????
08-May-2008 SBR1/L Scranton Intl (KAVP) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 03:00PM EDT 03:09PM EDT 0:09
08-May-2008 SBR1/L Dinwiddie County (KPTB) Scranton Intl (KAVP) 01:47PM EDT 02:39PM EDT 0:52
08-May-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Dinwiddie County (KPTB) 12:25PM EDT 01:12PM EDT 0:47
07-May-2008 SBR1/L Dinwiddie County (KPTB) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 02:35PM EDT 03:19PM EDT 0:44
07-May-2008 SBR1/L Scranton Intl (KAVP) Dinwiddie County (KPTB) 01:16PM EDT 02:03PM EDT 0:47
07-May-2008 SBR1/A Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Scranton Intl (KAVP) 12:16PM EDT 12:26PM EDT 0:10
25-Apr-2008 SBR1/L Clarion County (KAXQ) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 11:37AM EDT 12:05PM EDT 0:28
25-Apr-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Bulter County (KBTP) 07:41AM EDT 08:07AM EDT 0:26
21-Apr-2008 SBR1/L Fort Worth Alliance (KAFW) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 02:17PM CDT 06:02PM EDT 2:45
21-Apr-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Fort Worth Alliance (KAFW) 06:56AM EDT 08:49AM CDT 2:53
20-Apr-2008 SBR1/L Lehigh Valley Intl (KABE) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 04:10PM EDT 04:24PM EDT 0:14
20-Apr-2008 SBR1/L Niagara Falls Intl (KIAG) Lehigh Valley Intl (KABE) 02:57PM EDT 03:41PM EDT 0:44
20-Apr-2008 SBR1/L Lehigh Valley Intl (KABE) Niagara Falls Intl (KIAG) 10:48AM EDT 11:30AM EDT 0:42
20-Apr-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Lehigh Valley Intl (KABE) 10:08AM EDT 10:14AM EDT 0:06
18-Apr-2008 SBR1/T Laurence G Hanscom Fld (KBED) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 02:50PM EDT 03:36PM EDT 0:46
18-Apr-2008 SBR1/A Scranton Intl (KAVP) Laurence G Hanscom Fld (KBED) 01:18PM EDT 02:00PM EDT 0:42
12-Apr-2008 SBR1/L Palm Beach Intl (KPBI) Scranton Intl (KAVP) 02:01PM EDT 04:14PM EDT 2:13
12-Apr-2008 SBR1/L Fort Lauderdale Executive (KFXE) Palm Beach Intl (KPBI) 01:25PM EDT 01:38PM EDT 0:13
08-Apr-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Fort Lauderdale Executive (KFXE) 09:45AM EDT 12:12PM EDT 2:27
04-Apr-2008 SBR1/L Northeast Philadelphia (KPNE) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 05:49PM EDT 06:13PM EDT 0:24
04-Apr-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Northeast Philadelphia (KPNE) 12:44PM EDT 01:08PM EDT 0:24
30-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Palm Beach Intl (KPBI) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 02:35PM EDT 05:01PM EDT 2:26
30-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Scranton Intl (KAVP) Palm Beach Intl (KPBI) 10:30AM EDT 01:07PM EDT 2:37
28-Mar-2008 SBR1/G Scranton Intl (KAVP) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 06:20PM EDT 06:31PM EDT 0:11
28-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Palm Beach Intl (KPBI) Scranton Intl (KAVP) 03:19PM EDT 05:26PM EDT 2:07
28-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Fort Lauderdale Executive (KFXE) Palm Beach Intl (KPBI) 02:16PM EDT 02:32PM EDT 0:16
27-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Fort Lauderdale Executive (KFXE) 09:14AM EDT 11:41AM EDT 2:27
25-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Manchester (KMHT) (KLVZ) 09:42PM EDT 01:32AM GMT n/a
25-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Manchester (KMHT) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 09:35PM EDT 10:39PM EDT 1:04
25-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Manchester (KMHT) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 07:40PM EDT 09:16PM EDT n/a
25-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Orlando Intl (KMCO) Manchester (KMHT) 05:37PM EDT 08:44PM EDT 3:07
25-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Fort Lauderdale Executive (KFXE) Orlando Intl (KMCO) 04:21PM EDT result unknown (?) n/a
25-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Fort Lauderdale Executive (KFXE) Orlando Intl (KMCO) 04:21PM EDT 04:59PM EDT 0:38
24-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Palm Beach Intl (KPBI) Fort Lauderdale Executive (KFXE) 02:16PM EDT 02:31PM EDT 0:15
24-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Scranton Intl (KAVP) Palm Beach Intl (KPBI) 09:33AM EDT 12:30PM EDT 2:57
24-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Rutland - Southern Vermont Rgnl (KRUT) Morristown Muni (KMMU) 07:24AM EDT 07:59AM EDT 0:35
24-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Rutland - Southern Vermont Rgnl (KRUT) 06:18AM EDT 06:54AM EDT 0:36
22-Mar-2008 SBR1/T Martin State (KMTN) Morristown Muni (KMMU) 06:18PM EDT 07:02PM EDT n/a
22-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Brunswick County (KSUT) Martin State (KMTN) 01:50PM EDT 02:51PM EDT 1:01
22-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Craven County Rgnl (KEWN) Dare County Rgnl (KMQI) 10:58AM EDT 11:11AM EDT 0:13
22-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Morristown Muni (KMMU) Brunswick County (KSUT) 09:40AM EDT 10:56AM EDT n/a
21-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Rutland - Southern Vermont Rgnl (KRUT) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 10:10AM EDT 11:39AM EDT n/a
21-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Morristown Muni (KMMU) Rutland - Southern Vermont Rgnl (KRUT) 09:10AM EDT 10:05AM EDT n/a
19-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Orlando Intl (KMCO) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 08:10PM EDT 09:56PM EDT 1:46
19-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Manchester (KMHT) Orlando Intl (KMCO) 04:20PM EDT 07:24PM EDT 3:04
19-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Manchester (KMHT) 02:18PM EDT 02:59PM EDT 0:41
18-Feb-2008 SBR1/L Laurence G Hanscom Fld (KBED) Scranton Intl (KAVP) 02:33PM EST 03:27PM EST 0:54
18-Feb-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Laurence G Hanscom Fld (KBED) 12:02PM EST 12:39PM EST 0:37
15-Feb-2008 SBR1/L Norwood Memorial (KOWD) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 02:34PM EST 03:36PM EST 1:02
15-Feb-2008 SBR1/L Scranton Intl (KAVP) Norwood Memorial (KOWD) 01:24PM EST 02:06PM EST 0:42
15-Feb-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Scranton Intl (KAVP) 12:15PM EST 12:22PM EST 0:07
08-Feb-2008 SBR1/L Allegheny County (KAGC) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 07:47AM EST 08:20AM EST 0:33
08-Feb-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Allegheny County (KAGC) 06:52AM EST 07:33AM EST 0:41
05-Feb-2008 SBR1/L Wayne County (KBJJ) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 10:35AM EST 11:21AM EST 0:46
05-Feb-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Wayne County (KBJJ) 09:02AM EST 09:54AM EST 0:52
03-Feb-2008 SBR1/L Wayne County (KBJJ) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 01:12PM EST 01:50PM EST 0:38
03-Feb-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Wayne County (KBJJ) 11:36AM EST 12:34PM EST 0:58
Inquiring minds want to know....
So I thought we could ask Mike a few public questions since he likes to talk to the public. Mike would you like to comment on this flight log for N69WU allegedly registered to 40 Degrees North LLC that has been attributed to you and Mr. Robert Powell?
25-Mar-2007 SBR1/L Lambert-St Louis Intl (KSTL) Morristown Muni (KMMU) 07:42PM CDT 10:37PM EDT 1:55
25-Mar-2007 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Lambert-St Louis Intl (KSTL) 06:21PM EDT 07:14PM CDT 1:53
25-Mar-2007 SBR1/L Mc Carran Intl (KLAS) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP) 10:07AM PDT 05:20PM EDT 4:13
23-Mar-2007 SBR1/L Lambert-St Louis Intl (KSTL) Mc Carran Intl (KLAS) 01:12PM CDT 02:28PM PDT 3:16
23-Mar-2007 SBR1/L Morristown Muni (KMMU) Lambert-St Louis Intl (KSTL) 10:48AM EDT 12:10PM CDT 2:22
23-Mar-2007 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Morristown Muni (KMMU) 09:52AM EDT 10:17AM EDT 0:25
In addition to the draft audit of Western PA Child Care where there is a bill for limousine service to the NCAA tournaments this information would seem to indicate that the jet was used to haul passengers from Morristown N.J. to the tournament. Care to comment??
On the following flight to Aruba would you care to comment who was on that flight?
09-Apr-2007 SBR1/L Daytona Beach Intl (KDAB) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP) 02:53PM EDT 04:48PM EDT 1:55
09-Apr-2007 SBR1/L Reina Beatrix Int'l (TNCA) Daytona Beach Intl (KDAB) 03:24PM GMT 02:23PM EDT 2:59
09-Apr-2007 SBR1/G Fort Lauderdale Executive (KFXE) Reina Beatrix Int'l (TNCA) 07:22AM EDT result unknown (?) n/a
01-Apr-2007 SBR1/I Reina Beatrix Int'l (TNCA) Fort Lauderdale Executive (KFXE) 08:44PM GMT 06:45PM EDT 2:01
01-Apr-2007 SBR1/G Daytona Beach Intl (KDAB) Reina Beatrix Int'l (TNCA) 11:19AM EDT result unknown (?) n/a
01-Apr-2007 SBR1/L Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Intl (KAVP) Daytona Beach Intl (KDAB) 08:31AM EDT 10:39AM EDT 2:08
How about this flight to San Salvador?? Care to comment?
23-May-2007 SBR1/L Wilmington Intl (KILM) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 07:20PM EDT 08:12PM EDT 0:52
23-May-2007 SBR1/L Nassau Int'l (MYNN) Wilmington Intl (KILM) 09:21PM GMT 06:45PM EDT 1:24
23-May-2007 SBR1/A San Salvador (MYSM) Nassau Int'l (MYNN) 08:05PM GMT 09:43PM GMT 1:38
23-May-2007 SBR1/G Nassau Int'l (MYNN) San Salvador (MYSM) 07:21PM GMT 07:48PM GMT 0:27
23-May-2007 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Nassau Int'l (MYNN) 12:13PM EDT 06:27PM GMT 2:14
You stated on Corbett that the last time you flew the plane was about a year ago. Let's see that would be around January/February sometime right? Can you explain the following flight information to the public who is very curious????
08-May-2008 SBR1/L Scranton Intl (KAVP) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 03:00PM EDT 03:09PM EDT 0:09
08-May-2008 SBR1/L Dinwiddie County (KPTB) Scranton Intl (KAVP) 01:47PM EDT 02:39PM EDT 0:52
08-May-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Dinwiddie County (KPTB) 12:25PM EDT 01:12PM EDT 0:47
07-May-2008 SBR1/L Dinwiddie County (KPTB) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 02:35PM EDT 03:19PM EDT 0:44
07-May-2008 SBR1/L Scranton Intl (KAVP) Dinwiddie County (KPTB) 01:16PM EDT 02:03PM EDT 0:47
07-May-2008 SBR1/A Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Scranton Intl (KAVP) 12:16PM EDT 12:26PM EDT 0:10
25-Apr-2008 SBR1/L Clarion County (KAXQ) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 11:37AM EDT 12:05PM EDT 0:28
25-Apr-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Bulter County (KBTP) 07:41AM EDT 08:07AM EDT 0:26
21-Apr-2008 SBR1/L Fort Worth Alliance (KAFW) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 02:17PM CDT 06:02PM EDT 2:45
21-Apr-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Fort Worth Alliance (KAFW) 06:56AM EDT 08:49AM CDT 2:53
20-Apr-2008 SBR1/L Lehigh Valley Intl (KABE) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 04:10PM EDT 04:24PM EDT 0:14
20-Apr-2008 SBR1/L Niagara Falls Intl (KIAG) Lehigh Valley Intl (KABE) 02:57PM EDT 03:41PM EDT 0:44
20-Apr-2008 SBR1/L Lehigh Valley Intl (KABE) Niagara Falls Intl (KIAG) 10:48AM EDT 11:30AM EDT 0:42
20-Apr-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Lehigh Valley Intl (KABE) 10:08AM EDT 10:14AM EDT 0:06
18-Apr-2008 SBR1/T Laurence G Hanscom Fld (KBED) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 02:50PM EDT 03:36PM EDT 0:46
18-Apr-2008 SBR1/A Scranton Intl (KAVP) Laurence G Hanscom Fld (KBED) 01:18PM EDT 02:00PM EDT 0:42
12-Apr-2008 SBR1/L Palm Beach Intl (KPBI) Scranton Intl (KAVP) 02:01PM EDT 04:14PM EDT 2:13
12-Apr-2008 SBR1/L Fort Lauderdale Executive (KFXE) Palm Beach Intl (KPBI) 01:25PM EDT 01:38PM EDT 0:13
08-Apr-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Fort Lauderdale Executive (KFXE) 09:45AM EDT 12:12PM EDT 2:27
04-Apr-2008 SBR1/L Northeast Philadelphia (KPNE) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 05:49PM EDT 06:13PM EDT 0:24
04-Apr-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Northeast Philadelphia (KPNE) 12:44PM EDT 01:08PM EDT 0:24
30-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Palm Beach Intl (KPBI) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 02:35PM EDT 05:01PM EDT 2:26
30-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Scranton Intl (KAVP) Palm Beach Intl (KPBI) 10:30AM EDT 01:07PM EDT 2:37
28-Mar-2008 SBR1/G Scranton Intl (KAVP) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 06:20PM EDT 06:31PM EDT 0:11
28-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Palm Beach Intl (KPBI) Scranton Intl (KAVP) 03:19PM EDT 05:26PM EDT 2:07
28-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Fort Lauderdale Executive (KFXE) Palm Beach Intl (KPBI) 02:16PM EDT 02:32PM EDT 0:16
27-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Fort Lauderdale Executive (KFXE) 09:14AM EDT 11:41AM EDT 2:27
25-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Manchester (KMHT) (KLVZ) 09:42PM EDT 01:32AM GMT n/a
25-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Manchester (KMHT) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 09:35PM EDT 10:39PM EDT 1:04
25-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Manchester (KMHT) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 07:40PM EDT 09:16PM EDT n/a
25-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Orlando Intl (KMCO) Manchester (KMHT) 05:37PM EDT 08:44PM EDT 3:07
25-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Fort Lauderdale Executive (KFXE) Orlando Intl (KMCO) 04:21PM EDT result unknown (?) n/a
25-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Fort Lauderdale Executive (KFXE) Orlando Intl (KMCO) 04:21PM EDT 04:59PM EDT 0:38
24-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Palm Beach Intl (KPBI) Fort Lauderdale Executive (KFXE) 02:16PM EDT 02:31PM EDT 0:15
24-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Scranton Intl (KAVP) Palm Beach Intl (KPBI) 09:33AM EDT 12:30PM EDT 2:57
24-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Rutland - Southern Vermont Rgnl (KRUT) Morristown Muni (KMMU) 07:24AM EDT 07:59AM EDT 0:35
24-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Rutland - Southern Vermont Rgnl (KRUT) 06:18AM EDT 06:54AM EDT 0:36
22-Mar-2008 SBR1/T Martin State (KMTN) Morristown Muni (KMMU) 06:18PM EDT 07:02PM EDT n/a
22-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Brunswick County (KSUT) Martin State (KMTN) 01:50PM EDT 02:51PM EDT 1:01
22-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Craven County Rgnl (KEWN) Dare County Rgnl (KMQI) 10:58AM EDT 11:11AM EDT 0:13
22-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Morristown Muni (KMMU) Brunswick County (KSUT) 09:40AM EDT 10:56AM EDT n/a
21-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Rutland - Southern Vermont Rgnl (KRUT) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 10:10AM EDT 11:39AM EDT n/a
21-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Morristown Muni (KMMU) Rutland - Southern Vermont Rgnl (KRUT) 09:10AM EDT 10:05AM EDT n/a
19-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Orlando Intl (KMCO) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 08:10PM EDT 09:56PM EDT 1:46
19-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Manchester (KMHT) Orlando Intl (KMCO) 04:20PM EDT 07:24PM EDT 3:04
19-Mar-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Manchester (KMHT) 02:18PM EDT 02:59PM EDT 0:41
18-Feb-2008 SBR1/L Laurence G Hanscom Fld (KBED) Scranton Intl (KAVP) 02:33PM EST 03:27PM EST 0:54
18-Feb-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Laurence G Hanscom Fld (KBED) 12:02PM EST 12:39PM EST 0:37
15-Feb-2008 SBR1/L Norwood Memorial (KOWD) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 02:34PM EST 03:36PM EST 1:02
15-Feb-2008 SBR1/L Scranton Intl (KAVP) Norwood Memorial (KOWD) 01:24PM EST 02:06PM EST 0:42
15-Feb-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Scranton Intl (KAVP) 12:15PM EST 12:22PM EST 0:07
08-Feb-2008 SBR1/L Allegheny County (KAGC) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 07:47AM EST 08:20AM EST 0:33
08-Feb-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Allegheny County (KAGC) 06:52AM EST 07:33AM EST 0:41
05-Feb-2008 SBR1/L Wayne County (KBJJ) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 10:35AM EST 11:21AM EST 0:46
05-Feb-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Wayne County (KBJJ) 09:02AM EST 09:54AM EST 0:52
03-Feb-2008 SBR1/L Wayne County (KBJJ) Hazleton Muni (KHZL) 01:12PM EST 01:50PM EST 0:38
03-Feb-2008 SBR1/L Hazleton Muni (KHZL) Wayne County (KBJJ) 11:36AM EST 12:34PM EST 0:58
Inquiring minds want to know....
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Judge Lupas- Lets Ask You Questions
The PHILADELPHIA based Juvenile Law Center filed the suit to overturn juvenile cases before President Judge Mark Ciavarella because the children didn't have lawyers.
As former District Attorney for Luzerne County why did your office and the Luzerne County Public Defender's Office ignore the constitutional rights of 500+ CHILDREN while they were allegedly violated? The Indictment details these allegations as part of the federal investigation.
Former President Judge Mark Ciavarella allegedly admitted that he ERRED by not reciting the LEGALLY REQUIRED questioning of juvenile defendants asking them ON THE RECORD if they knew that they had a right to legal counsel. Ciavarella removed himself from the Juvenile Court and assigned David Lupas to take over.
Wouldn't it appear to the prudent public that An Attorney from The Luzerne County District Attorney's Office should have been present every time Ciavarella violated the constitutional rights of a juvenile defendant? The Luzerne County District Attorney Office, as Officers of the Court, were equally required to step in when Judge Mark Ciavarella did not ask the juveniles ON THE RECORD if they knew they had a right to legal counsel. To accept any other premise is unconcionable. They took an oath of office to act in the interest of justice. What reports on outcome were transmitted back to the office of the District Attorney during these alleged violations?
Every thing that Judges Michael Conahan and Mark Ciavarella are now accused of doing, they did openly in full view of The Luzerne County District Attorney's Office. David Lupas did not question what was going on in Juvenile Court when he was DA.
David Lupas was head of The Luzerne County DA's Office during most of the events leading up to the current scandals surrounding Conahan and Ciavarella.
The Luzerne County District Attorney is the Defense Attorney for Judges Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan. In any CIVIL PROCEEDING filed against Judges Conahan and Ciavarella, The Luzerne County District Attorney would immediatey file an answer to that lawsuit as THE ATTORNEY OF RECORD for Defendants Conahan and Ciavarella. In fact Luzerne County District Attorney Jackie Musto-Carroll in filed a response to the petition from Juvenile Law Center ON BEHALF OF Judge Mark Ciavarella.
As former District Attorney for Luzerne County why did your office and the Luzerne County Public Defender's Office ignore the constitutional rights of 500+ CHILDREN while they were allegedly violated? The Indictment details these allegations as part of the federal investigation.
Former President Judge Mark Ciavarella allegedly admitted that he ERRED by not reciting the LEGALLY REQUIRED questioning of juvenile defendants asking them ON THE RECORD if they knew that they had a right to legal counsel. Ciavarella removed himself from the Juvenile Court and assigned David Lupas to take over.
Wouldn't it appear to the prudent public that An Attorney from The Luzerne County District Attorney's Office should have been present every time Ciavarella violated the constitutional rights of a juvenile defendant? The Luzerne County District Attorney Office, as Officers of the Court, were equally required to step in when Judge Mark Ciavarella did not ask the juveniles ON THE RECORD if they knew they had a right to legal counsel. To accept any other premise is unconcionable. They took an oath of office to act in the interest of justice. What reports on outcome were transmitted back to the office of the District Attorney during these alleged violations?
Every thing that Judges Michael Conahan and Mark Ciavarella are now accused of doing, they did openly in full view of The Luzerne County District Attorney's Office. David Lupas did not question what was going on in Juvenile Court when he was DA.
David Lupas was head of The Luzerne County DA's Office during most of the events leading up to the current scandals surrounding Conahan and Ciavarella.
The Luzerne County District Attorney is the Defense Attorney for Judges Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan. In any CIVIL PROCEEDING filed against Judges Conahan and Ciavarella, The Luzerne County District Attorney would immediatey file an answer to that lawsuit as THE ATTORNEY OF RECORD for Defendants Conahan and Ciavarella. In fact Luzerne County District Attorney Jackie Musto-Carroll in filed a response to the petition from Juvenile Law Center ON BEHALF OF Judge Mark Ciavarella.
Monday, January 26, 2009
CIAVARELLA AND CONAHAN PLEAD GUILTY TO CHARGES
The following information is being typed as part of the press conference by Martin Carlson available live on the net courtesy of WILK.
Judge Mark Ciavarella and Judge Michael Conahan will be issued a summons to appear before a court on charges of fraud and tax charges in connection with the construction and expansion of the PA Child Care juvenile detention center. The judges have entered into a plea agreement whereby they will serve a mandatory 87 months in prision. The charges entered today apply exclusively to the juvenile court system and specifically to these judges.
A serious of conceled payments, wire transfers and checks, totaling $2.6 million were made to the judges by two, as yet, unamed individuals with regards to the construction and expansion. The judges are accused of ordering juveniles into detention where they had a financial interest in spite of the fact that recommendations were made otherwise in the disposal of those cases. The money was paid to business interests belonging to the judges and were mischaracterized as to their nature.
The juvenile detention facilities include Luzerne County and western Pennsylvania.
The question of whether a person, public servant of the C o P, who violates public corruption is subject to state law concerning the of preservation their pension. The plea agreement requires the judges to make restitution in an amount to be deteremined by the court.
Further charges may be pending, however the agent in charge would not speculate as to their certainty. The press conference concluded at 2:02P.M.
Judge Mark Ciavarella and Judge Michael Conahan will be issued a summons to appear before a court on charges of fraud and tax charges in connection with the construction and expansion of the PA Child Care juvenile detention center. The judges have entered into a plea agreement whereby they will serve a mandatory 87 months in prision. The charges entered today apply exclusively to the juvenile court system and specifically to these judges.
A serious of conceled payments, wire transfers and checks, totaling $2.6 million were made to the judges by two, as yet, unamed individuals with regards to the construction and expansion. The judges are accused of ordering juveniles into detention where they had a financial interest in spite of the fact that recommendations were made otherwise in the disposal of those cases. The money was paid to business interests belonging to the judges and were mischaracterized as to their nature.
The juvenile detention facilities include Luzerne County and western Pennsylvania.
The question of whether a person, public servant of the C o P, who violates public corruption is subject to state law concerning the of preservation their pension. The plea agreement requires the judges to make restitution in an amount to be deteremined by the court.
Further charges may be pending, however the agent in charge would not speculate as to their certainty. The press conference concluded at 2:02P.M.
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