In a swift courtroom appearance, former baseball star Lenny Dykstra waived his right to a preliminary hearing, moving his drug-related charges forward to the county court level. The 63-year-old, who once played outfield for the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies, spent under ten minutes in the Pike County courtroom.
Dykstra, largely silent during the proceedings, affirmed his understanding of the process when questioned by his attorney, Thomas Mincer. Still recovering from a stroke that affected his left hand, Dykstra signed the waiver with his left hand, which prompted a light-hearted exchange with his lawyer about being ambidextrous. “A switch-hitter,” Mincer quipped, to which Dykstra clarified he batted solely left-handed during his 12-year Major League career that concluded in 1996.
Judge Randy Schmalzle allowed Dykstra to remain free on his own recognizance, emphasizing the importance of attending all future court dates. “Don’t get in any trouble,” Mincer advised Dykstra, expressing confidence in his client’s compliance.
The Next Steps
With the preliminary hearing waived, Dykstra’s case advances to the county court of common pleas, where he may opt for a trial or pursue a plea agreement. District Attorney Ray Tonkin refrained from commenting on any potential plea deals, citing ethical guidelines that protect Dykstra’s right to a fair trial.
Attorney Matthew Blit, also representing Dykstra, later issued a statement: “Thomas Mincer and I are pleased to report that today was Lenny Dykstra’s first court appearance. Attorney Mincer had a very productive meeting with the district attorney’s office, and we are pleased to report that everything is moving in a positive direction.”
Dykstra, residing in Scranton, faces charges of possessing crack cocaine, using or possessing drug paraphernalia, and failing to update his identification details within the required timeframe. These charges stem from a mailed summons, as he had not appeared in court before this hearing.
Incident on New Year’s Eve
The charges against Dykstra arise from a New Year’s Eve incident in Pike County. He was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Kevin Zelna, 37, who faces multiple charges, including DUI and drug possession. According to Dykstra’s legal team, the narcotics discovered did not belong to him, and he was recovering from a stroke at the time.
Police reports indicate that a trooper stopped Zelna’s vehicle due to a dead license plate and erratic driving. During the stop, Dykstra reportedly asked for his personal belongings, leading officers to observe suspected narcotics in plain view. The substance was later identified as crack cocaine. Dykstra maintains that Zelna placed the items in his possession without his knowledge.
Steps Toward Recovery
On the day of the hearing, a drug and alcohol counselor credited fellow former Met Darryl Strawberry with supporting Dykstra’s journey to sobriety, noting he has been sober for 86 days. Dennis D’Agostine, pastor of Steamtown Church in Scranton, praised Dykstra’s rehabilitation efforts, stating, “He’s taken big steps.”
