Real Estate Mogul Robert Mericle to Plead Guilty
By: Jeff Chirico
Updated: September 1, 2009
The United States Department of Justice has announced that real estate mogul Robert Mericle has agreed to plead guilty in connection to the corruption at the Luzerne County courthouse.
The 46-year-old is president and CEO of Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services.
According to the paperwork, Mericle knew about the "cash for kids" scheme involving judges Michael Conahan and Mark Ciaveralla. Authorities say the two judges received more than 2 million dollars in connection to the construction of juvenile detention centers. We're told Mericle knew about the crime and didn't reveal it to investigators.
Mericle faces 3 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He's also agreed to pay more than 2.1 million dollars to fund programs that improve the welfare of children in Luzerne County.
According to the paperwork, Mericle knew about the "cash for kids" scheme involving judges Michael Conahan and Mark Ciaveralla. Authorities say the two judges received more than 2 million dollars in connection to the construction of juvenile detention centers. We're told Mericle knew about the crime and didn't reveal it to investigators.
Mericle faces 3 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He's also agreed to pay more than 2.1 million dollars to fund programs that improve the welfare of children in Luzerne County.
