Karen Sargent Joins Pittsfield Co-op as Dalton Branch Manager

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Karen Sargent
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank has hired Karen Sargent as the new assistant vice president and branch manager of its Dalton branch location. 
 
With a track record in banking and a deep commitment to community engagement, bank officials say Sargent brings a wealth of experience and leadership to her new role.
 
Sargent joins Pittsfield Cooperative Bank with more than 15 years of experience in the financial services industry. Her expertise spans branch operations, customer relationship management, business banking, and team leadership at several regional institutions, including Adams Community, Berkshire, Citizens, and NBT banks. In her role as branch manager, Sargent will oversee daily operations, mentor staff, and ensure the delivery of exceptional service to the bank’s valued customers.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Karen to the Co-op Bank family," said Dana Robb, vice president of retail banking and operations. "Her extensive experience, customer-focused approach, and passion for fostering community connections align perfectly with our mission. We are confident she will make a significant impact in the Dalton branch and beyond."
 
A lifelong resident of Berkshire County, Sargent is rooted in the community and has been actively involved in various local organizations. Bank officials say her commitment to strengthening local ties and supporting community initiatives aligns seamlessly with Co-op Bank's dedication to serving the region.
 
Co-op Bank has been a cornerstone of the Berkshire County community since its founding in 1889. The bank prides itself on offering exceptional financial products and services while maintaining a strong commitment to local engagement and support.
 
For more information about Pittsfield Cooperative Bank and its services, visit pittsfieldcoop.com.

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Ex-Miss Hall's Head Indicted on Child Endangerment

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A retired leader of Miss Hall's School was indicted Wednesday in Berkshire Superior Court for one count of reckless endangerment of a child related to an investigation into sexual abuse allegations against a teacher. 
 
Jeannie Norris, now living in North Carolina, was head of school at the girls' boarding/day school from 1996 to 2012.
 
Based on evidence collected throughout the active investigation in allegations of abuse that occurred at Miss Hall's, the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office alleges she was aware of inappropriate relationships between a teacher, Matthew Rutledge, and students attending the school. Evidence demonstrates that she received numerous reports of Rutledge's alleged inappropriate conduct, according to the indictment. 
 
Rutledge, 63, was arraigned on rape charges in April of this year. Several women came forward publicly to accuse him of grooming them as teenagers and raping them. The charges also prompted the passage of a bill, authored by state Rep. Leigh Davis, to close the consent loophole by making sexual contact between a person of authority and individual under age 18 a crime. 
 
"Today's indictment is a result of the continued, active investigation into the allegations of abuse that occurred at Miss Hall's School," said DA Timothy Shugrue. "My team of prosecutors, including Massachusetts State Police Detectives and victim witness advocates, are actively working on this case thus far indicting both Matthew Rutledge, a former teacher at Miss Hall's School, and now Jeannie Norris. 
 
"Once again, I encourage anyone with information about potential abuse that occurred at Miss Hall's School to please contact our State Police Detectives."
 
He said his office understands that survivors might be hesitant to speak with law enforcement and share extremely difficult personal experiences. For those who feel hesitant, contact the tip line at 413-449-5055, or BerkshireSPDUtips@mass.gov. Callers can speak with Trooper Dana Clement to simply learn about the process. She, along with her partner Trooper Kyle Jolin, will answer any questions for victims trying to determine if they want to officially move forward or not. 
 
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