Kids for Cash: The Shocking Scandal That Rocked The Nation
A shocking exploration of the notorious 'Kids for Cash' scandal that unveils the dark side of the American juvenile justice system.
11 Sept 2023
Two judges in Pennsylvania were convicted of sending thousands of juveniles to detention centers for minor offenses in exchange for kickbacks.
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Synopsis
Two judges in Pennsylvania were convicted of sending thousands of juveniles to detention centers for minor offenses in exchange for kickbacks.
Go deeperPeople
Synopsis
Michael Conahan, a former judge in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, accepted kickbacks for sending juveniles to detention centers. In 2008, the "kids for cash" scandal revealed that thousands of young people faced harsh sentences for minor offenses. Conahan pleaded guilty and received a 17.5-year prison sentence. His colleague, Mark Ciavarella, denied his involvement and was convicted of multiple felonies, resulting in a 28-year sentence. The documentary includes interviews with affected families and legal experts, detailing the fallout from judicial corruption.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Meet former judges Conahan and Ciavarella.
- Find out about juvenile sentencing for minor thefts.
- See the impact of judicial corruption on youth.
Did You Know
- Michael Conahan was sentenced to 17.5 years in prison on September 23, 2011.
- Mark Ciavarella was sentenced to 28 years in prison for twelve federal felonies.
- Ciavarella will be 85 years old when eligible for release from prison.
- Conahan was ordered to pay $874,000 in restitution as part of his sentence.
Perfect For
Judicial corruptionJuvenile justiceTrue crime documentaries
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the sentence for former judge Michael Conahan?
Michael Conahan was sentenced to 17.5 years in prison and ordered to pay $874,000 in restitution.
How many years was Mark Ciavarella sentenced to prison?
Mark Ciavarella was sentenced to 28 years in prison.
What was the approval rating of Kids for Cash on Rotten Tomatoes?
Kids for Cash has an approval rating of 92% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 36 reviews.
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