"Image extension" restriction be damned: "Another corpse for the pile," sayeth a passing NPC.

1. Open console
2. setessential 1B07d 0 (enter)
3. Click on Brynjolf (enter)
4. damageav health 1000 (enter)
5. Close console

Watch Brynjolf keel over and freely walk the streets of Riften without being treated like a damn thief.

I know.... I'm terrible...awful...EVIL. Muah-hahaha!


PS Naturally, this only applies if you don't care to involve yourself in the Thieves Guild quest line. A couple of other tips: Open the console before he opens his mouth to avoid the misc objective, "Listen to Brynjolf's scheme", being added to your journal and finish 'A Cornered Rat' first or you'll have to set the proper stage via console to get Esbern to open the damn door.

*sigh* "Essentials"....