Two Large Scale Drug Traffickers Arrested and Arraigned

10:56AM / Tuesday, May 28, 2024Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On May 23 and May 24, the Berkshire District Attorney's Office arraigned two individuals, Michael Caropreso and George Stewart, on drug trafficking charges.

Both Defendants were arrested on warrants following prior investigations into drug trafficking. The investigations were conducted by the Pittsfield Police Department and the Berkshire County Law Enforcement Task Force.

Michael Caropreso, age 50 of Becket, was arraigned in Central Berkshire District Court on May 23. When the Defendant was arrested, he possessed approximately 56 grams of cocaine. Caropreso is charged with Trafficking in Cocaine, 36 grams or more, less than 100 grams. He is being held on $150,000 cash bail.

George Stewart, age 44 of Pittsfield, was arraigned in Central Berkshire District Court on May 24. When the Defendant was arrested, he had approximately 300 grams of cocaine and an illegal firearm. Additionally, Stewart had an outstanding warrant at the time of his arrest.

Stewart is charged with:

Trafficking in Cocaine, 200 grams or more
Possession of Firearm in a Felony
Possession of a Firearm Without an FID Card
Improper Storage of a Firearm
Possession of Ammunition without an FID Card
Firearm Violation With 3 Prior Violent/Drug Crimes
Stewart is being held on $250,000 cash bail.

Tags: drug trafficking,

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

RIBCO Supply

Check out our great lineup of Boss Plows, and spreaders. 2 Locations Clarksburg & Pittsfield!

ribcosupply.com

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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.

View Full Story