District Attorney to Host Workshop on Organized Retail Crime and Financial Fraud

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. On Monday, April 14, the Berkshire District Attorney's Office, in partnership with the New England State Police Information Network, will host a workshop addressing organized retail crime and financial fraud. 
 
At the workshop, speakers will discuss organized retail crime, financial crime, organized retail crime legislation, and current frauds effecting Berkshire County businesses and banks.  
 
Speakers include Ben Dugan, Executive Director for Central Investigations for CVS Health; Mark Solomon, International President of the International Association of Finance Crimes Investigations; Ryan Kearney, General Counsel for Retailers Association of Massachusetts; and Kelly Kemp, Second Assistant District Attorney at the Berkshire District Attorney's Office.
 
The impetus of the conference was the concern over retail and financial crimes occurring in Berkshire County and across the country. These crimes effect both businesses and residents alike and threaten the financial well-being of the Berkshire Community. While many businesses have reported a decrease in retail crimes over the past two years, education regarding the crime trends and awareness is critical to continuing the reduction in organized retail crime and financial fraud in the Berkshires.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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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