Hancock Man Pleads Guilty of Possession of Child Pornography
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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