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Berkshire County, MA

Police & Fire
Brush Fire Spreads To Multiple Homes In Western Mass Brush Fire Spreads To Multiple Homes In Western Mass
Brush Fire Spreads To Multiple Homes In Western Mass A small brush fire in Berkshire County Friday afternoon, Nov. 8, spread to multiple homes, causing major damage, authorities said.  Firefighters were called to 8-10 Scammell Avenue in Pittsfield just before 4:30 p.m. after a bushfire leaped onto a two-family home and a large deck at nearby 15 Draper Ave., authorities said.  Pittsfield firefighters, assisted by multiple other local agencies, were able to put the fire out by 5 p.m., though the homes sustained significant damage, officials said.  No one was injured in the blaze.  Authorities said two families lived a…

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by Josh Lanier
Obituaries
'He Lit Up Every Room': 23-Year-Old ID'd As Victim In Fatal Western Mass Rollover Crash 'He Lit Up Every Room': 23-Year-Old ID'd As Victim In Fatal Western Mass Rollover Crash
'He Lit Up Every Room': 23-Year-Old ID'd As Victim In Fatal Western Mass Rollover Crash A 23-year-old Massachusetts man was identified as the victim of a single-vehicle crash in Berkshire County over the weekend, authorities announced.  Caleb Carlson, of South Lee, was killed on Saturday, Nov. 2, when he rolled his Volkswagon Jetta on Division Street in Great Barrington around 6 p.m., the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office said. He died at the scene.  Investigators believe that Carlson was speeding when he went off the side of the road, struck a tree, and went airborne, causing the car to roll over.  The Smile Like Jack Memorial Fund posted a memorial …

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by Josh Lanier
Lifestyle
Here's Where This Year's Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Is Coming From In Mass Here's Where This Year's Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Is Coming From In Mass
Here's Where This Year's Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Is Coming From In Mass With Spooky Season over, attention is turning to the holidays and New York’s iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. This year’s tree is a 74-foot tall Norway Spruce from Massachusetts that was grown in Berkshire County in West Stockbridge, Rockefeller Center announced on Instagram. Weighing in at around 11 tons, it’s the first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree to come from the Bay State since 1959. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rockefeller Center (@rockefellercenter) The colossal tree will make the 136-mile journey to Manha…

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by Michael Mashburn
Police & Fire
Mass. Hammer Murderer Gets Life In Prison For Killing Sleeping Wife: DA Mass. Hammer Murderer Gets Life In Prison For Killing Sleeping Wife: DA
Mass. Hammer Murderer Gets Life In Prison For Killing Sleeping Wife: DA A Massachusetts man who beat his estranged wife to death with a hammer as she slept will spend at least the next 25 years in prison, authorities said.  Michael A. Cook Sr., of North Adams in Berkshire Country, was convicted of second-degree murder last week and was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday, Oct. 10, the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office said. However, he will be eligible for parole in 25 years.  Charli Cook, a 41-year-old CNA at the former Willowood Health Care Center, was asleep when Michael Cook broke into her North Adams home in July 2019 and hit h…

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
Man Killed In Hit-Run Crash In Western Mass ID'd, Driver Charged: DA Man Killed In Hit-Run Crash In Western Mass ID'd, Driver Charged: DA
Man Killed In Hit-Run Crash In Western Mass ID'd, Driver Charged: DA Police identified a 72-year-old Berkshire County as the victim in a hit-and-run crash last week. The woman accused of hitting him faced a judge for the first time on Tuesday, Oct. 1.  Samantha C. Paige, 36, or West Stockbridge, is charged with leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death, the Berkshire County District Attorney said. A judge ordered her held on a $7,500 bail, but she will not be released from jail after the judge revoked her bond in an unrelated case, authorities said.  Paige is accused of crashing into 72-year-old Franklin Ripley as he rode an electric sco…

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by Josh Lanier
Obituaries
Veteran, Great-Grandfather ID'd As Victim In Fatal Western Mass Motorcycle Crash Veteran, Great-Grandfather ID'd As Victim In Fatal Western Mass Motorcycle Crash
Veteran, Great-Grandfather ID'd As Victim In Fatal Western Mass Motorcycle Crash A 75-year-old Berkshire County man was identified as the victim of a fatal motorcycle crash last week, authorities said.  Al Salvatore, of Pittsfield, was riding his Harley Davidson with his friend in Lanesborough on Sunday, Sept. 1, when he collided with an SUV, the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office said.  Salvatore was driving east on Route 7 onto the Route 8 connector when his bike crossed the double yellow line and into the path of an oncoming SUV, the prosecutor's office said. He died at the scene. Salvatore was born in Pittsfield and graduated from Wahco…

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
Western Mass Man Who Admitted To Child Porn Videos Gets 5 Years In Prison Western Mass Man Who Admitted To Child Porn Videos Gets 5 Years In Prison
Western Mass Man Who Admitted To Child Porn Videos Gets 5 Years In Prison A 63-year-old Berkshire County man who admitted to watching child sexual abuse material will spend more than five years in prison, authorities said.  Robert Kend, of Lanesborough, pleaded guilty to receipt of child sexual abuse material in May, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. A judge sentenced him last week to 68 months in prison.  Police searched Kend's home on Sept. 12, 2023, and found an iPhone and Macbook computer that had videos of children between the ages of 8 and 15, authorities said. In some of the videos, Kend can be seen in a picture-in-picture box also performi…

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
Woman Killed In Fiery Western Mass. Crash ID'd Woman Killed In Fiery Western Mass. Crash ID'd
Woman Killed In Fiery Western Mass. Crash ID'd A 47-year-old woman has been identified as the victim who died single-vehicle crash in Berkshire County after her car burst into flames, authorities said.  Susanna Thomas, of Pittsfield, was found trapped in a firey wreck just after 1 p.m. in the area of 782 and 785 Partridge Road in Lanesborough, the Berkshire County District Attorney said.  Firefighters battled back the flames to reach Thomas inside the Nissan Rogue, but unfortunately, she was pronounced dead at the scene. A neighbor told police she heard a car speeding down the road before hearing a loud crash and a boom.…

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by Josh Lanier
Obituaries
Douglas Hawley Died 2 Weeks Ago In Berkshire County; His Friends Want To Keep His Spirit Alive Douglas Hawley Died 2 Weeks Ago In Berkshire County; His Friends Want To Keep His Spirit Alive
Douglas Hawley Died 2 Weeks Ago In Berkshire County; His Friends Want To Keep His Spirit Alive If there is a silver lining that could have come on Tuesday morning, July 30, in Berkshire County, it is that Douglas Hawley never heard the train that him. The 40-year-old father of a teenage son and young daughter and an adult stepson had always struggled with his hearing, and a witness who saw the train strike said he never looked up before the crash. "It was a pretty awful day," Douglas' older brother Daniel said in an interview with Daily Voice. "It's one of the worst days of my life." Related: Police ID Man Hit By Train; Second Fatal North Adams Train Strike Douglas Hawley was killed…

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by Josh Lanier
Obituaries
Western Mass Father Of 2 ID'd As Man Killed By Train Strike Western Mass Father Of 2 ID'd As Man Killed By Train Strike
Western Mass Father Of 2 ID'd As Man Killed By Train Strike A Berkshire County father of two young children was identified as the victim of a fatal train strike Tuesday morning, July 30, authorities said.  Douglas Hawley, age 40, of North Adams, was killed just before 11:30 a.m. after being hit by the train in North Adams, the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office said.  Investigators said he was hit between the American Legion and the Brien Center, both on American Legion Drive in North Adams.  The train was traveling at a slow speed when it struck Hawley, the prosecutor said.  It's unclear what led to the crash, but pol…

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
'This Was An Avoidable Crash': Driver Admits To Fatal Charlemont Motorcycle Wreck 'This Was An Avoidable Crash': Driver Admits To Fatal Charlemont Motorcycle Wreck
Melissa Repka Admits To Crash That Killed Gregory Herzig A 39-year-old Berkshire County woman admitted to causing a 2023 crash that killed a Franklin County motorcyclist, authorities said on Tuesday, July 30.  Melissa Repka, of North Adams, pleaded guilty to motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation on Tuesday, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said. A judge sentenced her to two-and-a-half years in prison, though she will only spend nine months behind bars. The remainder was suspended, as she serves two years of probation, the prosecutor said.  Repka was driving her 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee east on Rout…

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by Josh Lanier
Obituaries
Teen Who Drowned In Western Mass Pond ID'd; Community Rallies Around Family Teen Who Drowned In Western Mass Pond ID'd; Community Rallies Around Family
Teen Who Drowned In Western Mass Pond ID'd; Community Rallies Around Family The 14-year-old girl who drowned in a pond in Berkshire County last week was remembered as a smart, caring, and intelligent person with a promising future.  Earl Giver Essien was found unresponsive at Benedict Pond at Beartown State Forest in Great Barrington just before 2 p.m. on July 17. Police and witnesses pulled her from the water to perform CPR before paramedics rushed her to Fairview Hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead.  Pittsfield Schools Superintendent Joseph Curtis said the rising eighth-grader at Herberg Middle School's "bright light shone brillia…

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by Josh Lanier
News
Kamala Harris To Make First Mass. Campaign Stop At Fundraiser Featuring Famous Musicians Kamala Harris To Make First Mass. Campaign Stop At Fundraiser Featuring Famous Musicians
Kamala Harris To Make First Mass. Campaign Stop At Fundraiser Featuring Famous Musicians Current Vice President Kamala Harris will make her first campaign stop in Massachusetts as a presidential candidate on Saturday, July 27, at a fundraiser in Berkshire County.  Harris will attend the fundraiser in Pittsfield, featuring Grammy-winning musicians James Taylor and Yo-Yo Ma and several current and former state and local political leaders. The Berkshire Eagle spoke with organizer Sherwood Guernsey, who confirmed Harris would make the private event.  Tickets for the event sold out last week.  Harris, assumed by most to be the future nominee for the Democratic Party,…

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
Man Stabbed During Western Mass Fight; Police Ask For Info Man Stabbed During Western Mass Fight; Police Ask For Info
Man Stabbed During Western Mass Fight; Police Ask For Info Police in Berkshire County say that a 29-year-old man was stabbed over the weekend during a fight in Pittsfield.  Police were called to Boylston Street around 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, July 20, to reports of a fight, Pittsfield police said.  They found a 29-year-old suffering from a stab wound and took him to Berkshire Medical Center. He was last listed in stable condition, police said.  The man's name was not released.  Investigators ask anyone with information about the stabbing to contact Detective Goodrich at 413-448-9705 x554. Anonymous calls can be made by…

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
Body Of 14-Year-Old Found At Western Mass Pond; Presumed Drowned Body Of 14-Year-Old Found At Western Mass Pond; Presumed Drowned
Body Of 14-Year-Old Found At Western Mass Pond; Presumed Drowned Police are investigating after a 14-year-old was found unresponsive at Benedict Pond in Berkshire County, authorities said.  Great Barrington police were called to the Beartown State Forest recreation area just before 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, after the child was found unresponsive in the water, officials said. Police and witnesses pulled the child from the water and began CPR immediately.  Responders rushed the teen to Fairview Hospital, but doctors were unable to save their life.  The child's name was not released.  Police are investigating the circumst…

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
Man Accused Of Sexually Abusing Child In Berkshire County Busted In Florida: DA Man Accused Of Sexually Abusing Child In Berkshire County Busted In Florida: DA
Man Accused Of Sexually Abusing Child In Berkshire County Busted In Florida: DA A 43-year-old man was arrested in Florida and returned to Berkshire County to face charges that he molested a child, authorities said.  Omar Soto-Rincon was arraigned in Pittsfield earlier this week on the charge of indecent assault and battery on a person under 14, the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office said.  Prosecutors could not release any information about the alleged assault to protect the victim's identity.  Soto-Rincon was being held on a $5,000 bond, officials said.  He was arrested in Broward County, Florida. 

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by Josh Lanier
Obituaries
'He Brought Tremendous Joy': Western Mass 15-Year-Old ID'd As Victim In I-91 Crash 'He Brought Tremendous Joy': Western Mass 15-Year-Old ID'd As Victim In I-91 Crash
'He Brought Tremendous Joy': Western Mass 15-Year-Old ID'd As Victim In I-91 Crash The family of the 15-year-old Berkshire County boy who was killed last week in a crash on I-91 in Springfield was a loving and giving young man who had a bright future ahead of him.  Jayden Andre, of Lee, was killed around 4:30 p.m. on July 2 near exit 5 on the interstate. Jayden was a rising junior who had finished his sophomore year at Lee Middle and High School in June, his obituary said.  His family said he loved sports, his friends, and bringing joy to others.  He always gave the best hugs and brought tremendous joy and light into our lives with his kind heart and beautiful smile. Jay…

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
Teen Busted In Double Shooting In Western Mass Teen Busted In Double Shooting In Western Mass
Teen Busted In Double Shooting In Western Mass Police in Berkshire County arrested an 18-year-old man following a double shooting in Pittsfield last month, authorities said.  Deakan Sayers, of Pittsfield, was charged with two counts of armed assault with intent to murder, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, Pittsfield police said.  Officers were called to the intersection of North Street at Bradford Street to reports of a shooting around 5 p.m. on June 14. They found two men bleeding from bullet wounds i…

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by Josh Lanier
News
$5M Lottery Ticket Sold In Western Mass $5M Lottery Ticket Sold In Western Mass
$5M Lottery Ticket Sold In Western Mass A shopping trip in Berkshire County changed the life of one lucky Bay Stater when they won $5 million in the Massachusetts State Lottery.  The seven-figure ticket was the grand prize in the $20 scratch-off game "$5,000,000 100X Cashword." They collected their payday on Tuesday, June 18.  The winner's name was not released.  They bought the ticket at Price Chopper's Market 32 at 555 Hubbard Ave in Pittsfield. The store will receive a $50,000 bonus for the sale.  It was the biggest payday in the state on Tuesday, but there was plenty of money to go around. There wer…

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by Josh Lanier
News
Shooter Gets Life In Prison For Murder Of Mother Of 2 Stephanie Olivieri In Western Mass Shooter Gets Life In Prison For Murder Of Mother Of 2 Stephanie Olivieri In Western Mass
Shooter Gets Life In Prison For Murder Of Mother Of 2 Stephanie Olivieri In Western Mass A 30-year-old man who was found guilty of the August 2019 killing of Stephanie Olivieri, a mother, in her car in Berkshire County was sentenced to life in prison, authorities announced on Tuesday, June 18. Police found several gifts and decorations in Oliveri's vehicle as she was preparing to celebrate one of her two children's birthday.  Tyler Sumner, of North Adams, was found guilty on May 31 of first-degree murder and possession of ammunition without FID card, the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office said.  Pittsfield police responded to 66 South John Street, where …

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by Josh Lanier
News
100-Year-Old Italian-Style Villa For Sale In Western Mass For $15M 100-Year-Old Italian-Style Villa For Sale In Western Mass For $15M
100-Year-Old Italian-Style Villa For Sale In Western Mass For $15M If you can't find the time to take a trip to Italy, but somehow have $15 million lying around, you can buy a slice of Italian culture in Berkshire County.  A Stockbridge estate named Wheatleigh, originally built in 1893 to mirror a 16th-century Florence palazzo recently went on the market for $15 million. Architects Tsao and McKown modernized the home with contemporary features, appliances, and equipment.  Zillow.com The 22,000-square-foot palatial estate has 19 bedrooms and 23 bathrooms and overlooks the Stockbridge Bowl. The home has a fitness center, heated pool, a…

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by Josh Lanier
News
2 Rushed To Hospital Following Shooting In Western Mass 2 Rushed To Hospital Following Shooting In Western Mass
2 Rushed To Hospital Following Shooting In Western Mass Two people were shot late Friday, June 14, in Berkshire County.  Police in Pittsfield said that two people were shot in the area of North Street and Bradford Street. Both were rushed to Berkshire Medical Center, where they are being treated for their injuries.  Police did not release any information on their conditions.  Investigators do not believe this was a random attack and say there is no active threat to the community.  No suspect has been identified, and police ask residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
No Bail For Man Accused Of Killing Ryan Babcock In Western Mass No Bail For Man Accused Of Killing Ryan Babcock In Western Mass
No Bail For Man Accused Of Killing Ryan Babcock In Western Mass A 38-year-old Berkshire County man has been arrested and charged with the fatal shooting of Ryan Babcock on Tuesday, June 11, in Pittsfield, authorities said.  Jeremy Stanton, of Pittsfield, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with murder, the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office said. Stanton pleaded not guilty, and a judge ordered him held without bail.  Related: ''My Heart Is Broken': Ryan Babcock ID'd As Victim In Pittsfield Fatal Shooting Police arrested Stanton at a home in Worthington in Hampshire County on an outstanding probation violation warrant and assault wi…

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
(UPDATE) 'My Heart Is Broken': Victim In Western Mass Shooting ID'd As 38-Year-Old Man (UPDATE) 'My Heart Is Broken': Victim In Western Mass Shooting ID'd As 38-Year-Old Man
(Update) 'My Heart Is Broken': Victim In Western Mass Shooting ID'd As 38-Year-Old Man Update: Police have arrested Jeremy Stanton in the shooting death of Ryan Babcock. Click here for more information.  Original: Authorities in Berkshire County have identified the man who was found shot inside a car in Pittsfield on Tuesday, June 11.  Ryan Babcock was found around 4:30 p.m. in the driver's seat of a vehicle in the 500 block of Fenn Street, The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office said. Paramedics attempted to resuscitate him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.  No arrests have been made in the fatal shooting as of Wednesday evening.  B…

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
(UPDATE) Man Shot, Killed Inside Car In Western Mass (UPDATE) Man Shot, Killed Inside Car In Western Mass
(Update) Man Shot, Killed Inside Car In Western Mass Update: Pittsfield police identified the man who was fatally shot as Ryan Babcock. Click here for more information.  Original: Police in Berkshire County are investigating a fatal shooting that happened Tuesday afternoon, June 11, in Pittsfield.  Pittsfield police received a 911 call around 4:30 p.m. about a shooting in the 500 block of Fenn Street, authorities said.  Officers found a man suffering from gunshot wounds in the driver's seat of a car. Paramedics performed life-saving measures, but they could not save him. He was pronounced dead at the scene, Pittsfield police s…

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by Josh Lanier
News
Western Mass Eatery Will Appear On 'America's Best Restaurants' Western Mass Eatery Will Appear On 'America's Best Restaurants'
Western Mass Eatery Will Appear On 'America's Best Restaurants' The owners of a popular restaurant in Berkshire County made a big announcement on the eatery's Facebook page last week: they're going to be on the "America's Best Restaurants Roadshow" The owners posted the video on Saturday, June 1, explaining that producers will film scenes from the Lanesborough restaurant on Monday, June 17.  The show features hosts Theo Williams, Jacalyn Mains, and Luis Rivera as they try some of the best foods from across the country from small, family-owned eateries.  Biggins Diggins boasts on its website that the restaurant will be your new …

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by Josh Lanier
Obituaries
Woman Killed By Train In Western Mass Woman Killed By Train In Western Mass
Woman Killed By Train In Western Mass A woman was struck and killed by a train Wednesday morning, June 5, in Berkshire County, authorities said.  Lynn Stanley, 41, of North Adams was hit in the area of American Legion Drive in North Adams, the Berkshire County District Attorney said.  Multiple people have posted memorials to the mother on Facebook.  Rip Lynn Stanley love and miss you fly hight with gram Posted by Doreen Stanley on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 Investigators have not disclosed the circumstances around the crash.  Police are investigating the incident and more information will be made ava…

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
New York Man Busted Driving To See Western Mass Child He Met Online: DA New York Man Busted Driving To See Western Mass Child He Met Online: DA
New York Man Busted Driving To See Western Mass Child He Met Online: DA A 62-year-old New York man was arrested on Thursday, May 30, in Berkshire County as he was on his way to meet a teenager he was speaking with online, authorities said.  David Stypa was charged with two counts of disseminating obscene material to a minor and attempting to commit a crime, the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office said. He was ordered held on a $100,000 bond.  Investigators said Stypa was speaking with the Pittsfield teen — who was younger than 16 — on multiple platforms.  Police are still investigating. The district attorney's office did not release any …

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
More Charges For Western Mass Man Accused Of 'One Of The Worst Cases' Of Child Sexual Abuse More Charges For Western Mass Man Accused Of 'One Of The Worst Cases' Of Child Sexual Abuse
More Charges For Western Mass Man Accused Of 'One Of The Worst Cases' Of Child Sexual Abuse Federal authorities charged a 38-year-old Berkshire County man already facing more than four dozen charges of child sexual abuse with two more on Wednesday, May 29.  Brain Warner, of Cheshire, was arrested and charged with sexual exploitation of a child and attempted sexual exploitation of a child on Wednesday, May 29, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He previously lived in Adams.  Warner was arrested in April and charged with 51 counts of sexually abusing a minor, including multiple accusations of raping a child, indecent assault and battery, and 26 counts of child pornogr…

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
Man, 72, On Mobility Scooter Hit, Killed In Western Mass Truck Crash Man, 72, On Mobility Scooter Hit, Killed In Western Mass Truck Crash
Man, 72, On Mobility Scooter Hit, Killed In Western Mass Truck Crash A 72-year-old Berkshire County man was killed on Tuesday night, May 28, when a car crashed into his mobility scooter as he crossed the street, authorities said.  David Frye, of Pittsfield, was struck by a 2014 Dodge Ram truck around 7 p.m. as he was on Second Street in Pittsfield, Pittsfield police said.  The truck's driver, from North Adams, turned onto Second Street from Wallace Place when she struck Frye. Paramedics rushed him to Berkshire Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, authorities said.  Police closed Second Street from Lake to Silver streets for two hours…

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by Josh Lanier
Police & Fire
Western Mass Man Who Swindled $300K In Unfinished Construction Projects Gets Up To 10 Years Western Mass Man Who Swindled $300K In Unfinished Construction Projects Gets Up To 10 Years
Western Mass Man Who Swindled $300K In Unfinished Construction Projects Gets Up To 10 Years A Berkshire County man who was found guilty of swindling more than a dozen homeowners and at least one fire department out of hundreds of thousands of dollars for construction work he never completed will spend up to the next decade behind bars, authorities said.  Fred Senter, of Pittsfield, was found guilty of five counts of larceny Over $250 from a victim over 60 years of age, 19 counts of theft of over $1,200, stealing less than $1,200, the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office said.  A judge sentenced him to eight to 10 years in prison. The prosecutor had asked for an 18…

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by Josh Lanier