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Investigation Starts
The Juvenile Law Center, a public advocacy group, asks the Supreme Court to investigate the large number of juveniles appearing without counsel before Luzerne County Judge Mark A. Ciavarella Jr. Ciavarella's incarceration rate for juveniles is more than double the state average, the center reports. -
Ciavarella is removed
Ciavarella removes himself from juvenile court duties and admits he repeatedly failed to properly inform juveniles of their right to counsel. -
State denied request
The state Supreme Court denies the Juvenile Law Center's request for a review of Ciavarella's cases. -
Pleading guilty
Federal prosecutors announce Ciavarella and former judge Michael T. Conahan will plead guilty to accepting $2.8 million from individuals tied to for-profit juvenile detention centers. The court subsequently removes them from judicial duties. -
Asks for a review
The Juvenile Law Center asks the Supreme Court to reconsider a review of Ciavarella's cases. -
Review will be conducted
The Supreme Court names Senior Berks County Judge Arthur E. Grim to conduct a review. -
Introduced to General Assembly
In consultation with the Supreme Court, legislation is introduced in the General Assembly to form the Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice to investigate the kids-for-cash scandal. Its 11 members will be appointed by the assembly, the governor's office and the court. -
Court Sentences Vacated
Judge Grim recommends all of Ciavarella's juvenile court sentences from 2003 through 2008 be vacated. -
Guilty Pleas Withdrawn
The former judges withdraw their guilty pleas after a federal judge rejects the 87-month prison sentences called for in their plea agreements. They are subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury. -
First Public Hearings Held
The Interbranch Commission holds first of 11 public hearings. -
Court Adopts Recommendaton
The court adopts Grim's recommendation to vacate all juvenile court sentences. -
New Plea Signed
Prosecutors announce Conahan has signed a new plea agreement. Ciavarella's attorney says he is preparing for trial. -
Report Issued
The Interbranch Commission issues a 66-page report with recommendations for legislators and the Supreme Court.
