Judge in ‘kids for cash’ case wants his conviction tossed

SCRANTON, Pa. — A former Pennsylvania judge serving a 28-year prison term for a scandal that became known as “kids for cash” is trying to have some of his convictions overturned.

Former Luzerne County Judge Mark Ciavarella (shih-vuh-REHL’-uh) Jr. says in Thursday’s court filings that a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision established a new rule that he wants to retroactively apply to a motion seeking to throw out his corruption conviction and sentence.

Ciavarella was convicted of accepting bribes in exchange for ordering kids to a for-profit detention centres. He denied any quid pro quo.

The high court overturned former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell’s corruption conviction, saying his actions didn’t necessarily violate federal bribery laws.

The court says some acts — including setting up a meeting — without doing more don’t qualify as an official act.

Week In Review

Week in Review: Week of March 30

2h ago

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: Removing bathroom doors at Barriere Secondary increases safety concerns

Apr 02, 2026

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: April 2, 2026

Apr 02, 2026

Filmmakers made a documentary called “Kids for Cash” about the case.

The Associated Press