Judges Ordered to Pay $200 Million for Profiting from Incarcerating Children in For-Profit Facilities

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In a shocking judicial scandal, two judges from Pennsylvania have been ordered to pay over $200 million in damages for their involvement in a “kids-for-cash” scheme that profited from sending minors to detention centers. Judges Thomas Avery and John McCormick were previously convicted for their roles in this unethical practice, which led to the incarceration of countless children, some as young as 8 years old, for minor offenses.

The judges received substantial kickbacks, totaling approximately $2.8 million, in exchange for closing a county jail and redirecting young offenders to two for-profit detention centers, Liberty Youth Center and Keystone Youth Facility. Avery implemented a stringent zero-tolerance policy that resulted in thousands of children being sentenced to these facilities for trivial infractions, including minor theft, truancy, and even smoking on school grounds. Reports state that the judges often ordered immediate confinement, without allowing the youths to mount a defense or bid farewell to their families.

U.S. District Judge Sarah Conners condemned the actions of Avery and McCormick, stating they had violated their oaths and betrayed public trust, resulting in “unspeakable physical and emotional trauma” to vulnerable young people. During the trial, 282 former detainees and 32 parents testified against the judges, with many of the victims recounting their harrowing experiences. Testimonies revealed that some of the minors faced long-lasting repercussions, including instances of suicide and drug overdoses as a result of their trauma.

While the $200 million judgment is a significant victory for the victims, many may never see this money, as the judges reportedly possess limited assets. “This ruling sends a strong message about the seriousness of the judges’ misconduct,” noted Jessica Bright, a lawyer for the plaintiffs.

Avery is currently serving a 28-year sentence, while McCormick was sentenced to 17 years but is now under home confinement due to pandemic-related restrictions. The owner of the for-profit detention facilities has previously paid $25 million in damages related to this scandal.

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In summary, the scandal surrounding Judges Avery and McCormick highlights the grave injustices faced by minors within the judicial system, leading to a landmark ruling that, while significant, may not provide the restitution the victims deserve.