Notorious New Rochelle Panhandler Released a Week Before Christmas after County Docs Give OK for Trial

Written By: Robert Cox

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Judge Susan I. Kettner ordered Edward Conklin, 61, New Rochelle’s Notorious Panhandler, released on his own recognizance earlier today after two Westchester County doctors declared Conklin to “have capacity” to stand trial.

He is due back in court on January 5th.

But for Conklin’s attorney, the entire proceeding tool place on Microsoft Teams, displayed on a monitor in the courtroom.

Conklin appeared in New Rochelle City Court via a remote video conference from the Westchester County Jail where he was remanded by Kettner on October 22nd for a “730” psychological exam to determine his mental fitness to stand trial with a return date for today, December 18th.

Conklin is currently facing a felony charge of Robbery — Third, 2 misdemeanors (drugs) and 20 City Code violations, primarily for panhandling. He was remanded to jail by Judge Kettner after he was arrested by New Rochelle Police on October 22nd after a warrant was issued by Judge Jared Rice due to Conklin’s failure to appear in court on Monday, October 19th.

Conklin appeared, sometimes, confused, combative and angry, and at others compliant and courteous.

“What happened to the black judge and my white lawyer,” Conklin shouted as the proceedings began, presumably referring to Judge Jared Rice and Conklin’s attorney of record, David Rifas. “I signed papers for three years probation.”

“What am I being charged with?” he continued. “What does the City of New Rochelle want with me?”

Conklin went on for a while more claiming people were lying to him and trying to frame him.

“Just be honest with me,” said Conklin.

Judge Kettner let Conklin ramble a bit longer before taking control of the proceedings, explaining to Conklin what was happening and why — that he was facing two misdemeanors charges (drug possession), a felony charge (the Bread Factory robbery), and a number of City Code violations and that he had one charge, panhandling on October 16th, on which he was about to be arraigned.

“I have 20 tickets,” interrupted Conklin. “I am willing to plead guilty. At fifty to one hundred dollars that is $1,000. I have $1,200 in the bank”.

“You’re getting ahead of yourself,” said Judge Kettner.

After Kettner set a return date, Conklin continued, saying he was schizophrenic, talking about his financial situation, that he lost one SSI check for $300, that he works off the books, that sometimes he works as an auto mechanic.

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