Hancock Man Pleads Guilty of Possession of Child Pornography

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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.

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Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'
DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 
 
The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.
 
"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.
 
"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 
 
Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 
 
Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 
 
Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.
 
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