Developer: Ex-Pa. judges extorted $590K in scheme

SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) - A developer who helped build two juvenile detention facilities says a former northeastern Pennsylvania judge pressured him to pay more than a half-million dollars in kickbacks.

Robert Powell is testifying in the trial of former Luzerne County Judge Mark Ciavarella (shiv-uh-REL'-uh). He said Wednesday that Ciavarella and former county President Judge Michael Conahan summoned him to the courthouse in 2003 and demanded to be paid.

Powell says he made $590,000 in payments disguised as rent on a condo in Florida.

Ciavarella faces corruption charges for allegedly taking the money in return for sending juvenile offenders to the facilities.

Conahan pleaded guilty to a single count of racketeering conspiracy and awaits sentencing.