Superior Court Briefs: Nov. 14

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Cesar Lagunas, age 51, was found guilty of Rape and Intimidation of a Witness on Nov. 13 in Berkshire Superior Court.

According to the District Attorney's Office, on April 15, 2019, Lagunas raped a person and then threatened them with blackmail if they reported the rape.

"The survivor demonstrated immense strength and resilience throughout this process. I am thankful for the jury's decision and appreciate their service," District Attorney Shugrue said.

Mid-way through the trial, Lagunas, formerly of Pittsfield, fled to Mexico; however, Judge Agostini  determined that the trial could continue. A warrant has been issued for Cesar Lagunas arrest.

Chief of the Child Abuse Unit Andrew Giarolo represented the Commonwealth. Director of Victim Witness Advocates Jane Kibby-Pierce served on behalf of the Berkshire District Attorney's Office. The Pittsfield Police conducted the investigation.

Since fleeing to Mexico on Monday, Nov. 11, law enforcement response has included the Pittsfield Police Department, the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office; New York State Police and Homeland Security Investigation.
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On Tuesday, Nov. 12, Angel Nunez, age 51 formerly of Troy, NY, pleaded guilty to 15 indictments in connection with an organized theft ring.

Nunez pleaded guilty in Berkshire Superior Court and was sentenced by Judge Agostini. The Berkshire District Attorney's Office requested two years in the House of Corrections. Defense requested a period of house arrest.

The Defendant was ultimately sentenced to two years of straight probation with the condition that he not commit a crime.

Nunez was facing charges related to three visits into Berkshire Bank locations on June 23 and 26 of 2023 and July 10, 2023. During these visits, the Defendant attempted to fraudulently withdraw money.

Nunez suffered a serious medical event while awaiting trial. Due to his condition, Nunez cannot be housed at the House of Corrections. A House of Corrections' facility does not provide the level of medical care that Nunez requires.

 


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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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