Hancock Man Pleads Guilty of Possession of Child Pornography

01:59PM / Thursday, March 30, 2023Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Monday, March 27 Dale Wilson, of Hancock, pleaded guilty in Superior Court to two counts of Possession of Child Pornography and one count of Dissemination of Child Pornography.

The charges stem from an investigation by the Berkshire County State Police Detective Unit based on a CyberTip. The location of the offense was at the defendant's residence. At the time of the offense, he was 21.

According to state sentencing guidelines Possession (272, 29C) is a level 3 offense carrying a maximum of 2.5 in the House of Corrections or 5 years in state prison. Dissemination (272, 29B) is a level 6 offense carrying a minimum of 10 years in state prison and a maximum of 20.

The Commonwealth's recommendation was 2.5 in the House of Corrections with a following 5 years' probation post-incarceration.

District Attorney Shugrue identified the probation conditions below:

No access to internet or social media
No social media accounts
Possess no smart phone and/or other internet-enabled devices
Sex offender treatment/counseling
Any other conditions as the court sees fit.

The defendant asked for straight probation (house arrest) with conditions.

On March 27, 2023, Judge Agostini gave Wilson 10 years of probation with a suspended sentence if Wilson were to re-offend in the next 10 years. (Dissemination of Child Pornography– 5 years probation: Possession of Child Pornography-1 year suspended sentence with 5-year probation).

Dale Wilson's probation conditions include:

Continue sex offender treatment
Continue mental health treatment and sign releases for probation
Engage with community support services and follow recommendations
Continue to reside with his mom unless a change of residence is approved

Assistant District Attorney Melissa Brooks represented the Commonwealth.

Tags: district attorney,

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New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction.

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.

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