PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Thursday, March 26 Marianne Shelvey, First Assistant District Attorney at the Berkshire District Attorney's Office, was awarded the 2026 William C. O'Malley Prosecutor of the Year by the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association while at the annual MDAA conference in Boston.

 

First Assistant District Attorney Shelvey was nominated based on her work and leadership within the office, including her successful trial record. Highlights of her career in the Berkshire District Attorney's Office included the Commonwealth v. Lance Burke and the Commonwealth vs. Desmond Phillip trials as well as the recent David Morrison double plea in both Massachusetts and Vermont for kidnapping and murder, respectively. 

 

"It was without hesitation that I nominated First Assistant Marianne Shelvey for the William C. O'Malley Prosecutor of the Year Award," District Attorney Shugrue said. "Her exceptional legal skills, commitment to justice, dedication to fighting for victims of crime, and leadership make her an outstanding candidate for this esteemed recognition.  Marianne is a prosecutor of the highest caliber, and her skills and compassion have made our community safer."

 

In the Commonwealth v. Lance Burke, First Assistant District Attorney Shelvey and Assistant District Attorney Valentine successfully tried one of the first cases in the Commonwealth utilizing only digital evidence. This groundbreaking conviction provided insight into the future of criminal prosecution that utilizes not just genetic DNA but also digital DNA.

 

Prior to her time as First Assistant District Attorney, Attorney Shelvey served as both an assistant district attorney in Berkshire County and most recently a federal prosecutor in the United States Department of Justice. During her time with the DOJ, First Assistant Shelvey was assigned to the Organized Crime and Gang Section representing the United States in crimes including national and international narcotics distribution and firearms trafficking, extortion, and murder both in the United States and abroad.

 

The William C. O'Malley Prosecutor of the Year is given annually by the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association (MDAA) to recognize exceptional prosecutors who embody professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to justice. First Assistant District Attorney Shelvey will be presented with the award at the annual Massachusetts District Attorneys Association conference in late March.