Cheshire Police Chief Arrested on Sex Solicitation Charges

Staff Reports04:11PM / Friday, November 07, 2025Print Story | Email Story

CHESHIRE, Mass. — The town's police chief has been placed on paid administrative leave after being arrested Thursday night on charges of soliciting sex for a fee.

The Board of Selectmen held an emergency meeting at 3 p.m. on Friday and appointed retired Chief Timothy Garner as an administrative consultant. According to a statement from the board, it is investigating options for an interim chief.

According to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office, 53-year-old Michael Alibozek of Adams was arrested by the Berkshire State Police Detective Unit and assisted by troopers from the Cheshire State Police Barracks.

Alibozek was taken into custody in the parking lot of Hoosac Valley Middle and High School at approximately 9:45 p.m. He had been communicating online with an undercover State Police detective, according to the DA's office.

Following the arrest, Alibozek was relieved of duty and placed on paid administrative leave by the town administrator and the Select Board Chair Shawn McGrath. His town-issued firearm and access to the police station were seized.

In a statement, the Board of Selectmen said, "The Town of Cheshire takes these matters seriously and is fully cooperating with the investigative and judicial processes. The Board of Selectmen has been informed and is addressing the matter in the best interests of the Town of Cheshire. Former Chief Timothy Garner has been appointed as an administrative consultant. The Board is working on investigating options for an Interim Chief.

"No further comments will be made by the Cheshire Police Department or the Town of Cheshire at this time."

Alibozek was hired as police chief in 2022 to replace Garner, after serving on the force for five years. A sergeant at the time, he was one of two finalists interviewed for the post.

The town of Cheshire has reported the matter to the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission.

The defendant will be arraigned on Monday in Central Berkshire District Court.

He is the second county police chief to be placed on paid administrative leave. Adams Chief K. Scott Kelley was put on paid leave in September; the reason for that have not yet been made public. In Sandisfield, the Berkshire Eagle is reporting that the police chief there has been fired as of Tuesday. Michael Morrison was also the deputy fire chief and had been on paid administrative leave since July over inconsistencies in the Fire Department's payroll accounts; this did not relate to his role as police chief.

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Letter: Supporting Organizations That Keep Our Communities Strong

Letter to the Editor06:05PM / Monday, October 26, 2026

To the Editor:

Berkshire County is home to many cultural gems, and the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum (BSRM) is certainly one of them. Its Hoosac Valley Train Ride has become a cherished holiday tradition for families from near and far, offering a unique opportunity to experience our region's history, beauty, and sense of community.

It was heartbreaking to learn of the fire and the damage it caused. At the same time, it has been encouraging to see the determination of the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum's team as they assess the damage, work toward repairs, and do everything possible to get the trains back in service and honor scheduled rides. Their commitment to rebuilding and moving forward is a testament to the passion and perseverance that keep BSRM alive.

The impact of the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum extends well beyond the tracks. Here in Adams, the organization is an important part of our local economy. With approximately 10,000 riders annually, the Hoosac Valley Train Ride brings thousands of visitors to our community. Many of those visitors also spend time exploring our cultural attractions, dining at local restaurants, shopping at our businesses, and filling their gas tanks before heading home. That ripple effect matters, particularly to a small community like Adams.

I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Adams Fire Department for its work to fight the fire. We are fortunate to have dedicated firefighters who respond when our community needs them most. Their service is a powerful reminder of the importance of the people who give their time, energy, and expertise to protect our neighbors, our history, and our community.

Volunteer organizations are often the backbone of our towns. Whether they are responding to emergencies, preserving our history, or creating meaningful experiences for families, these organizations bring people together and help make the Berkshires a place we are proud to call home. They deserve our recognition, our gratitude, and our support — not just in times of crisis, but throughout the year. I am grateful to the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum for its determination and commitment to rebuilding, and to the Adams Fire Department for its service to our community.

I hope we will all do what we can to help the railway recover and continue sharing this special piece of Berkshire County history with future generations.

Christine Hoyt
Adams, Mass.

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