Superior Court Briefs: Aug. 2

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On July 31 Trevon Thompson, of Pittsfield, pleaded guilty and was sentenced on two charges stemming back to an arrest from February 10, 2023. 
 
The sentencing took place in Berkshire Superior Court and was overseen by Judge Agostini. The Defendant was arrested as a part of a greater investigation into drug trafficking in North Adams.  
 
Charges and Sentencing:
  • Possession of Class B with Intent to Distribute - 2 ½ years in the House of Corrections suspended sentence for three years with the following conditions:
    • Complete substance abuse evaluation
    • Follow any recommendations from probation
    • Remain drug free
    •  Submit to random screens
  • Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute - 3 years' probation with above conditions
Law enforcement involved in the case included the North Adams Police Department and the Berkshire Law Enforcement Task Force. Assistant District Attorney Rachael Eramo represented the Commonwealth.
 
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
 
On July 30, Ryan Starbird, 20 years old of Pittsfield, entered an unagreed plea of guilty and was sentenced in Berkshire Superior Court by Judge Agostini. 
 
According to a report, the case stems from a 2023 incident at the Berkshire Crossing shopping plaza parking lot. The Defendant and another man had an altercation. The report continued that Starbird was in possession of an illegal firearm.
 
During the altercation, the Defendant's gun discharged, and he sustained an injury to his own hand. The victim sustained an injury to his groin. The Defendant did not have a license to carry a firearm.
 
Charges and Sentencing:
  • Illegal Possession of A Firearm - 2 ½ years House of Corrections 
  • Illegal Possession of A Loaded Firearm - 3 years' probation from and after jail
  • Assault & Battery By Means Of A Dangerous Weapon - Causing Serious Bodily Injury - 3 years' probation from and after jail
  • Discharging A Firearm Within 500 Feet of A Building - 3 years' probation from and after jail
  • Assault And Battery By Discharging A Firearm - 3 years' probation from and after jail
The Commonwealth requested an extended sentence with 2 ½ years in the House of Corrections for the first count, Illegal Possession of a Firearm, and 2 ½ years in the House of Corrections on and after the first count. Defense requested 1 ½ years in the House of Correction followed by probation.
 
Law enforcement and emergency responders included the Pittsfield Police Department; the Dalton Police Department; and Action Ambulance. Both individuals were treated for their wounds at Berkshire Medical Center.
 
Assistant District Attorney Amy Winston represented the Commonwealth. Kristen Rapkowicz served as the Victim Witness Advocate on behalf of the Berkshire District Attorney's Office.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tags: superior court,   

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

PHS, Taconic Seniors Honored With Superintendent's Award

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Taconic's Nicholas Kerwood and Pittsfield High's Lisa Chen are the top students in the class of 2025. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Two Pittsfield Public Schools seniors have been recognized for excellence in and out of the classroom.

Pittsfield High School's Lisa Chen and Taconic High School's Nicholas Kerwood were given the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents' Certificates of Academic Excellence during Wednesday's School Committee meeting.

The annual award is given to students who go above and beyond in academic achievement and community involvement.

Guidance counselor Jillian Galvagni, who has known Kerwood for four years while attending Taconic commended him for an impressive workload of advanced courses and inspiring leadership in extracurriculars.

"Nicholas has consistently demonstrated a remarkable commitment to advancing educational opportunities and promoting excellence within the academic community," she wrote in a letter of recommendation.

"His proactive approach to educational leadership and his ability to inspire and empower both students and educators are truly impressive."

Along with being at the top of his class, Kerwood has taken six Advanced Placement courses and 11 honors courses during his high school tenure. He is currently taking three AP courses at Berkshire Community College and still finds time to be a part of the Taconic community.

"Nicholas is the kind of leader who brings people together. As captain of the cross country team, a member of several clubs, and part of the theater department, he's always working to keep communication flowing and build strong connections. He has made a real difference during his time at Taconic," Galvagni wrote.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories