Robber of dead man in Philadelphia hospital sentenced to probation

One of the men who robbed Puerto Rican activist Joaquin Rivera as Rivera sat dead in a hospital emergency room in November was sentenced Monday to 21/2 years of probation.

Richard Alten, 45, pleaded guilty to theft and conspiracy before Common Pleas Court Judge Adam Beloff. In addition to probation, Alten will be monitored for drug and alcohol use and must prove he is searching for employment.

Under questioning by Beloff, Alten admitted he has been hospitalized for mental problems, suffers from depression, and has problems with alcohol.

Alten also said he has children who live with his former wife in Florida. When Beloff asked Alten how he would feel if his children found out he had stolen a dead man's watch, Alten responded: "Horrible."

The others who stole the watch with Alten - Jannira Walker, 22, and Martin Smith, 42 - pleaded guilty earlier this year and received similar sentences.

Rivera, 63, was a well-known community activist, musician, and student counselor at Olney High School. He went to Aria Health-Frankford Campus late on the night of Nov. 28 with chest pains. He died shortly after midnight while waiting to be seen by a member of the hospital's staff.

Alten, Walker, and Smith, who police said were homeless and using drugs at the time, happened upon Rivera as he sat in his chair. The three were recorded by a surveillance camera as they sat down near Rivera, then took the watch.

The watch eventually was returned to Rivera's family.

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