NEW ROCHELLE, NY (October 15, 2026) — A 70-year-old New Rochelle man has been charged with first-degree course of sexual conduct against a child, a Class B felony, and has remained incarcerated at the Westchester County Jail for 37 days, according to New York State court records and correctional records.
Marcelo Almendarez, born January 17, 1956, was arrested by the New Rochelle Police Department on September 8, 2026, and charged with one count of first-degree course of sexual conduct against a child under New York Penal Law § 130.75.
Under New York law, first-degree course of sexual conduct against a child involves two or more qualifying sexual acts with a child over a period of at least three months. The statute applies to children younger than 11, or to children younger than 13 when the defendant is 18 or older.
Almendarez was arraigned on September 8 before New Rochelle City Court Judge Michelle Bernstein, where he pleaded not guilty. Bernstein set bail at $150,000 cash, a $250,000 insured bond or a $500,000 partially secured surety bond. The court also issued a temporary order of protection.
According to custody records, Almendarez was booked into the Westchester County Department of Correction in Valhalla on September 8 at 7:09 p.m. He remained incarcerated as of Thursday, October 15, marking 37 days in county custody.
Almendarez appeared for further proceedings on September 14 before Judge Jared R. Rice. The case was adjourned.
His next scheduled appearance is October 19, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in New Rochelle City Court.
The Legal Aid Society of Westchester County is listed as representing Almendarez.
The publicly available court records do not identify the alleged victim, specify the child’s age, describe the relationship between Almendarez and the child or establish when the alleged conduct occurred. The records also do not explain the circumstances that led to the arrest.
Talk of the Sound is seeking additional information from the New Rochelle Police Department about the investigation and circumstances surrounding the allegations.
The criminal case is docketed in New Rochelle City Court under CR-04192-26.
The charges are allegations. Almendarez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.