Monday, October 19, 2009

Seeking Answers in Luzerne County

What did they know and when did they know it?

It’s the question at the heart of the investigation into failings within the Luzerne County juvenile justice system – a question John M. Cleland, the chairman of the state commission created to probe those failings, says will be asked of lots of people, including several in positions of high power, over the next few months.

It started Wednesday with Luzerne County President Judge Chester Muroski, state Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township and state Rep. Todd Eachus, D-Butler Township, who testified at the first of several hearings that will be held by the Interbranch Commission on Juvenile Justice.

All three were peppered with questions regarding whether they were ever advised by an attorney, court official or juvenile about concerns relating to former judge Mark Ciavarella’s handling of juvenile court.

Similar questions are expected to be asked of several other top Luzerne County officials in November, when the commission will hold a two-day hearing in the Wilkes-Barre area.

“Our concern is not only the action of two Luzerne County judges. Our concern is also the inaction of others. Inaction of judges, prosecutors, public defenders, the defense bar, public officials and private citizens – those who knew but failed to speak; those who saw but failed to act,” Cleland said in his opening statement. “All of those involved – whether by action, inaction or silence – whether by willful choice or benign ignorance – engaged in an assault on the fairness and impartiality of our legal system.”

The 11-member Interbranch Commission was formed in August to analyze what went wrong in Luzerne County’s juvenile system and provide recommendations to ensure those problems are not repeated elsewhere.

Full Article and Source:
Seeking Answers and the Truth

4 comments:

Betty said...

The focus should be on the President Judge. What did HE know, when did HE know it, and why didn't HE do anything about it.

Conahan is as dirty as they come and I bet it was well known within the circle how bad he is.

That should be the focus of the investigation.

jerri said...

these investigators are on the right path i hope they don't let this go they know who else knew? only an idiot wouldn't know what was going on for how long? this is the wall of silence the thick brick wall of protection those who knew are just as guilty they did nothing said nothing remained silent they are as guilty as the crooked judges who belong in a federal cage

Mike said...

Dig, dig, dig, Luzerne County. The corruption is longstanding. It's going to take a pretty big shovel to dig through it.

Anonymous said...

If Muroski knew how dirty Conahan was, then he needs to be disinfected as well.