People v. Salcedo

OPINION OF THE COURT

Chief Judge Wachtler.

The defendant appeals from an order of the Appellate Division affirming his conviction of arson and reckless endangerment. His primary contention is that he was deprived of his right to counsel of his choice when the trial court disqualified his retained counsel on application of the prosecutor. We agree with the defendant and, accordingly, reverse the order of the Appellate Division.

In 1980 the defendant was indicted for setting fire to a grocery store which he owned. Almost a year later the defendant’s cousin was indicted in connection with another…