SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Attorneys in the case of an Adams man accused of violating federal terrorism statutes say they are still communicating about a possible plea deal but told the judge to anticipate using the scheduled June 18 trial date.
Judge Mark G. Mastroianni on Wednesday held a brief status conference in the case of the United States v. Alexander Ciccolo, who was arrested on July 4, 2015, and subsequently indicted on one count of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and one count of attempting to use of weapons of mass destruction.
On Wednesday, Ciccolo's attorney, David Hoose of Northampton, told Mastroianni that he continues to discuss a plea in the case with the U.S. Attorney.
"I think all I can say is we're continuing to communicate and explore a possible resolution," Hoose said. "But it's our mutual suggestion the court assume it's going to go to trial on the date selected."
Mastroianni asked the attorneys to submit to him suggested questions for a questionnaire that will be sent out to prospective jurors.
"I imagine we'll be using a larger pool than usual," Mastroianni said, and he suggested that a confidential survey completed and returned by mail could help narrow the pool before selection begins in court.
He also asked the attorneys to keep him apprised of any potential deals in the case.
"It goes without saying that if there is any development in the case that would short-circuit a trial, bring that to my attention," Mastroianni said. "There is some added level of work with the clerk's office in arranging such a large number of jurors to come in.
"Other than that … I'm looking forward to the trial."
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North County Marks Memorial Day With Mount Greylock Trek, Ceremonies
By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
Laurie Boudreau sings the national anthem during Memorial Day ceremonies at Clarksburg Town Hall on Sunday.
ADAMS, Mass. — As they do every Sunday before Memorial Day, local veterans braved the elements to pay respects on Mount Greylock to fallen comrades.
"Past commanders have been coming up here for 93 years. I have been coming up for 64," said Adams American Legion member Donald Sommer. "We have had all kinds of weather, but this is some of the worst. It shows the dedication that we have for those who have gone before us and made the ultimate sacrifice."
Heavy winds and sleet met the motorcade at the summit. The Veterans War Memorial Tower — first built to honor World War I veterans — was barely visible and the 30 or so veterans and their families made their way to the memorial arm and arm, fighting the wind.
The ceremony was held inside of the monument with only a rifle squad and taps player briefly stepping outside to conduct their part of the truncated ceremony.
"It is important that we continue these ceremonies, not only for us, but for everyone else," Sommer continued. "So they remember what happened."
Veterans met early at the Adams American Legion Post 160 and promptly formed a motorcade to scale the mountain. The oppressive weather forced the Legion Riders off their motorcycles.
The group met at the Jones Nose Parking lot about halfway up the mountain to enjoy a traditional cocktail and toast fellow veterans.
Jason Codey struck out 13, walked two and allowed just an infield single as the Generals earned a 7-1 win over Wahconah to claim their third straight regional title. click for more
Gracelyn Wright struck out eight, and Genevieve Lagess went 3-for-5 with four runs batted in as the Hurricanes beat Monson, 17-3, to claim their first Western Mass title in four years. click for more
For the boys, Ward Bianchi helped lead the way with a win in the shot put and a second place in the javelin as the Mounties finished 16 points ahead of runner-up Pittsfield (pending the results of the pole vault, which were unavailable at 11 p.m. Friday night). click for more
Brady Auger Friday scored five goals to lead the Mount Greylock boys Lacrosse team to a 16-14 win over Hoosac Valley in the title game of the Western Massachusetts Class C Tournament. click for more