North Adams Man Sentenced To State Prison for Rape, Assault

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Friday, Oct. 17 Aaron Shepperd, 37 of North Adams, pleaded guilty to the following charges:
  • 3 counts of Rape of a Child with Force
  • 1 count of Indecent Assault and Battery of a Child Under 14
  • 1 Count of Indecent Assault and Battery of a Child Over 14
Shepperd was sentenced to 8 to 10 years in State Prison. 
 
"My thoughts today are with the young survivor. I commend them [singular] for the tremendous courage displayed throughout the entirety of the investigation," District Attorney Shugrue stated.  "While no prison sentence will ever undo the harm that was done, I do hope that today's conclusion provides an opportunity to move forward."
 
"I was pleased that this case was quickly resolved thus allowing the survivor of the assault to avoid having to testify in court about the abuse they [singular] endured by the Defendant."  
 
The Defendant raped and assaulted a child over a period of approximately three years.
 
Chief of the Child Abuse Unit Andrew Giarolo represented the Commonwealth. Ian Benoit served as the Victim Witness Advocate on behalf of the Berkshire District Attorney's Office. The North Adams Police Department served as the lead law enforcement agency investigating the case.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

BVNA Nurses Raise Funds for Berkshire Bounty

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Massachusetts Nursing Association members of the Berkshire Visiting Nurses Association raised $650 to help with food insecurity in Berkshire County.
 
The nurses and health-care professionals of BVNA have given back to the community every holiday season for the last three years. The first year, they adopted a large family, raised money, bought, wrapped and delivered the gifts for the family. Last year, they sold raffle tickets and the money raised went to the charitable cause of the winner. 
 
This year, with food insecurity as a rising issue, they chose to give to Berkshire Bounty in Great Barrington.
 
They sold raffle tickets for a drawing to win one of two items: A lottery ticket tree or a gift certificate tree, each worth $100. They will be giving the organization the donation this month.
 
Berkshire Bounty seeks to improve food security in the county through food donations from retailers and local farms; supplemental purchases of healthy foods; distribution to food sites and home deliveries; and collaborating with partners to address emergencies and improve the food system. 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories