Superior Court Briefs: March 21

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Earehart Arraigned on 2 Counts of Rape
 
On March 18 James Earehart, age 55 of Indiana, was arraigned in Berkshire Superior Court. 
 
The Defendant was arraigned on two counts of Rape stemming from a June 16, 2022, offense.The alleged rape occurred at a camp located at 53 Brookside Road, Great Barrington. 
 
According to the district attorney's office, Earehart was employed by Membrane Concepts and was deployed to the camp to work on the pool at the time of the alleged assault.The victim, who was an employee of the camp at the time of the assault, stated they (singular to protect the victim's identity) were returning to a building at the camp when they were approached by Earhart. Shortly after being approached, the victim stated they were sexually assaulted. The alleged assault took place in the evening hours. 
 
The Great Barrington Police Department is the lead law enforcement agency on the case. 
 
The Berkshire State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office executed an extradition order from Indiana to return the Defendant to Massachusetts to face the two rape charges. 
 
The Defendant is being held on $50,000 cash bail without prejudice. The case is schedule to next appear in Berkshire Superior Court on March 31st for an appearance of counsel.  
 
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Frank Twing Sr. Sentenced to 25 Years in Albany Federal Court for Berkshire County Related Crimes
 
On October 31, 2024, Frank Twing Sr. of West Stockbridge, Massachusetts pled guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a child involving a then 15-year-old victim and one count of travel with intent to engage in unlawful sexual conduct involving an approximately 12-year-old victim. 
 
On March 18, 2025, Frank Twing Sr. was sentenced to the above-mentioned crimes in Albany Federal Court to 25 years in Federal Prison, followed by 25 years of supervised release.
 
District Attorney Shugrue stated, "I commend the Berkshire State Police Detective Unit assigned to my Office for their dedicated investigation into Frank Twing's crimes. Their work was critical to the US Attorney's Office successful outcome in this case."
 
These charges come after an investigation occurred into Frank Twing, and his wife, Haley Twing in January of 2024 by the Massachusetts State Police – Berkshire Detective Unit. As a result of this investigation, Frank Twing, and a second Defendant, Haley Twing, were arrested by the Massachusetts State Police. Frank Twing was charged in Massachusetts with 2 counts of aggravated statutory rape, 2 counts of posing a child for sexual photos, and 1 count of trafficking a person for sexual servitude. Haley Twing has been charged in Massachusetts with 4 counts of posing a child for sexual photos, 2 counts of statutory rape, and 1 count of possession of child pornography.
 
This case was investigated by the Massachusetts State Police – Berkshire Detective Unit, New York State Police, and the FBI's Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
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Halloween-Themed Travel Softball Tournament Set for This Weekend

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Fastpitch softball returns to the Berkshires this weekend as Pittsfield Girls Softball hosts the “Nightmare on the Dirt” tournament on Saturday and Sunday.
 
The two-day, Halloween-themed competition will take place at Gerald S. Doyle Memorial Park, located at 561 Benedict Road in Pittsfield. The event features 15 youth travel softball teams from across New England competing in the 10-and-under and 12-and-under divisions, bringing more than 200 fastpitch players and over 300 total attendees -- including coaches, families, and supporters -- into the Berkshires.
 
Action begins Saturday morning with competitive pool play matchups to determine division seeding, followed by single-elimination championship rounds on Sunday. In the spirit of the season, players and teams will also take part in Halloween festivities and costume celebrations alongside the games on the dirt.
 
“We are thrilled to welcome 15 outstanding programs from all over New England to Pittsfield,” Tournament Director David Demary said in a news release. “Nightmare on the Dirt combines high-energy fastpitch competition with a fun, festive atmosphere for the kids. Doyle Field is ready to roll, and we’re looking forward to hosting great games for all of our visiting athletes and families.”
 
Full tournament game schedules, pool play results, and live championship brackets will be hosted through Fastpitch Nation. Spectators and members of the local community are welcome and encouraged to attend.
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