Clammer is injured dredging up old bomb, chowder gets tossed

SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) — A former Pennsylvania judge serving a 28-year federal prison sentence for a scandal that became known as "kids for cash" is trying to have some of his convictions overturned. Former Luzerne County Judge Mark Ciavarella (shih-vuh-REHL'-uh) Jr. says in Thursday's court filings a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision established a new rule. He wants to retroactively apply to a motion seeking to throw out his corruption conviction and sentence. Ciavarella is imprisoned for accepting bribes in exchange for ordering youths to for-profit detention centers co-owned by Robert Powell. The high court overturned former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell's corruption conviction, saying his actions didn't necessarily violate federal bribery laws. The court says some acts — including setting up a meeting — without doing more don't qualify as an official act.

Judge in 'kids for cash' case: Toss corruption conviction