PHS Dean Arrested on Federal Drug Charges

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield High School's dean of students has been placed on administrative leave after a federal drug arrest on Wednesday morning.

Lavante Wiggins was one of two city men arrested and charged by the U.S. Attorney's Office for allegedly conspiring to traffic large quantities of cocaine in Western Massachusetts. Wiggins was arrested at his East Street home.

Superintendent Joseph Curtis promptly sent a communication to staff and parents addressing the arrest.  He said the district was informed by the U.S. Attorney's Office about the arrest of Wiggins and he has been placed on administrative leave effective immediately.

"Please know that we remain committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for our students and staff," he wrote. "We have no other information at this time."

Wiggins, 30, and Theodore Warren, also known as "Monty," 42, both of Pittsfield, were charged with one count each of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. They were arrested Wednesday morning and released on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court in Springfield in the afternoon.

According to the charging documents, Wiggins operated a drug-trafficking organization that distributed large amounts of cocaine in and around the Pittsfield area. It is alleged that Warren serves as a runner for Wiggins, who allegedly expressed concern that he was under investigation in August and sent Warren to complete sales and deliver cocaine.

"It is alleged that one of Wiggins' customers amassed a debt of more than $34,000 for cocaine that Wiggins provided on credit. It is further alleged that Wiggins and Warren then went about collecting on that debt while continuing to supply large amounts of cocaine to that customer," a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office reports.

Wiggins had been under investigation since March, according to charging documents. The customer is a co-operating witness who provided investigators with Wiggins' phone number and locations where the alleged criminal activities had occurred, among other detailed information. The witness has open criminal cases and is "hoping to mitigate" their sentence. 

Wiggins, a St. Joseph High School and Endicott College graduate, has worked at PHS since 2021. 

U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, special agent in charge with the FBI's Boston Division made the announcement Wednesday afternoon. Assistance was provided by the Holyoke, Springfield, Chicopee, West Springfield, Easthampton and Pittsfield Police Departments; Berkshire, Hampden and Franklin County Sherriff's Offices; Massachusetts State Police; and the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches, chief of the Springfield Branch Unit, is prosecuting the case.  
 

Pittsfield Council Opposes Berkshire Gas Rate Hike Proposal

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
01:05PM / Thursday, February 26, 2026

Berkshire Gas says it needs the increase for infrastructure improvements. Officials say it will cause an unnecessary burden on customers who depend on natural gas for heat. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council has joined statewide opposition to Berkshire Gas's proposed 22 percent increase on the average customer's bill. 

On Tuesday, Councilor at Large Kathy Amuso and Ward 4 Councilor James Conant asked their colleagues to oppose the rate hike, which the state Department of Public Utilities has suspended until October to investigate. Written comments are accepted through Friday, Feb. 27. 

"As all of us know, Berkshire Gas is looking for up to a 25 percent increase, which would equate to about an average of $54 a month, which is a hefty increase for anyone," Amuso said. 

"And there's about 8,500 households in Berkshire County that are on fuel assistance, and we already have 8,500 households on fuel assistance, I'm not sure how more than 8,500 can afford a $54 average." 

Present councilors unanimously supported the petition, and Councilor at Large Peter White, who was unable to attend the meeting, communicated his support via email. Mayor Peter Marchetti is also a signer. 

The testimonial letter urges the DPU to deny the utility's requested increase, or sharply reduce it, require the company to demonstrate the benefits of the Gas System Enhancement Program before costs are rolled into base rates, and condition any approved increase with consumer protections and affordability programs. 

The utility is asking to adjust distribution rates to generate $22.2 million, which it anticipates will result in a 21.6 percent rate increase on average. In filings with the DPU, Berkshire Gas is estimating up to about a $54 per month increase for residential heating and $12 for non-heating customers.

Gov. Maura Healey, the Berkshire legislative delegation, local higher education institutions, and community members have voiced opposition to the proposed rate hike for a vital service. The North Adams City Council registered its opposition also on Tuesday. 

During a recent campaign stop in Pittsfield, Healey recognized that people are "really, really struggling" with gas and electric bills.

"I'm working on every front to lower those costs. I was upset to see Berkshire Gas's proposal for an additional rate hike that could increase bills in Pittsfield, around this region, by as much as 25 percent. Twenty-five percent is something that nobody can afford; our residents can't afford, our businesses can't afford. It just can't happen," she said.