LOCKPORT – The trial of a Niagara Falls man charged with burglary, which never progressed beyond jury selection, was called off Wednesday as a second doctor was being sought to assess his mental competency.
Niagara County Judge Sara Sheldon Farkas set a new trial date of May 28 for Edward J. Parmer, 52, of 22nd Street, who is charged with second-degree burglary, petit larceny and fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property in connection with a July 18 house burglary on Willow Avenue in the Falls.
On March 11, after jury selection, Parmer checked into the mental health unit at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. Assistant District Attorney Theresa L. Prezioso said the first doctor to examine Parmer said he was, in the prosecutor’s words, “malingering.” However, a second doctor’s opinion is required, and if they disagree, a third doctor is called in to break the tie. Parmer also would be entitled to a competency hearing before Farkas.
The judge sent Parmer to jail without bail after he did not surrender on a bench warrant Farkas issued upon his release from the hospital. Prezioso said U.S. marshals captured Parmer early Wednesday in Niagara Falls.
Niagara County Judge Sara Sheldon Farkas set a new trial date of May 28 for Edward J. Parmer, 52, of 22nd Street, who is charged with second-degree burglary, petit larceny and fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property in connection with a July 18 house burglary on Willow Avenue in the Falls.
On March 11, after jury selection, Parmer checked into the mental health unit at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. Assistant District Attorney Theresa L. Prezioso said the first doctor to examine Parmer said he was, in the prosecutor’s words, “malingering.” However, a second doctor’s opinion is required, and if they disagree, a third doctor is called in to break the tie. Parmer also would be entitled to a competency hearing before Farkas.
The judge sent Parmer to jail without bail after he did not surrender on a bench warrant Farkas issued upon his release from the hospital. Prezioso said U.S. marshals captured Parmer early Wednesday in Niagara Falls.