Alleged Child Rapist To Remain in Custody

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Donald Monsees, 71 years of age, who was accused of child rape among other charges will continue ot be held in custody on $250,000 bail.  
 
On Friday, June 30 a bail hearing was held for Donald Monsees, 71 years of age, in Berkshire Superior Court following 180-day hold expired. 
 
Monsees faces 15 indictments including:
 
2 counts of rape of a child with force
2 counts of rape of enhanced a child with force after certain offenses
7 counts of Indecent assault and battery child under
7 counts of enhanced indecent assault and battery of a child under 14 by prior convicted offender,
2 counts Indecent Exposure
1 count Disseminating harmful matter to a minor
2 counts Enticing a child
1 count witness intimidation
 
Monsees is a prior convicted sex offender.
 
The Commonwealth asked for continued hold without the right or the alternative of $500,000 cash bail. The defense asked for immediate release due to Monsees chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and kidney cancer. The Honorable Judge Flannery sided with the Commonwealth finding bail appropriate. 
 
Judge Flannery said the Berkshire House of Corrections has provided adequate access to care and that, additionally, Monsees' prior convictions; numerous victims; potential life sentence with mandatory minimum; and ties to Florida make bail appropriate versus immediate release. Jude Flannery set bail at $250,000 cash. Judge Flannery did not set conditions stating that he did not expect Monsees to be able to post bail. The next court date will be in December, 2023 for a final pre-trial conference.
 
Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Ilberg represented the Commonwealth. Carmen Guevara served as the victim witness advocate on behalf of the District Attorney's Office. The Adams Police Department and North Adams Police Department were the lead law enforcement agency in the case.
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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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