First Assistant District Attorney Named Mass Prosecutor of the Year

07:07AM / Wednesday, April 08, 2026Print Story | Email Story

1st ADA Shelvey pictured with attorneys from the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office at the annual MDAA Conference.

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.

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Pittsfield Committee Recommends Scanlon for City Audit

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires.com
11:59AM / Sunday, August 02, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— After the bid for a new auditing company came back more than 30 percent higher, Pittsfield will stick with Scanlon and Associates.

On Tuesday, the Auditing Services Evaluation Committee voted, 4-2, to advance Scanlon to the City Council for an independent audit. CliftonLarsonAllen also responded to the bid, but came in costing $120,000 more.

“I have to go with saving money for the city. I mean, the discrepancy is too much of a difference,” committee member Karen Kalinowsky said.

“The city could have used for that difference over the next three years.”

This process was prompted by Rule 40 of the council rules and the City Charter, where in any year the City Council votes to hold a procurement process for an independent certified public accountant or firm to audit Pittsfield's books and accounts, the city must, through its Finance Committee with the assistance of the purchasing department, solicit requests for proposals or invitations for bids before June 1.

The council in March recommended that the purchasing agent draft a request for proposals and put it out to bid.

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, who has vocally supported the independent audit for years, said the city doesn’t have to follow a bidding process for the professional service, “We are doing this so the public knows that we're being professional and are looking for other options, looking at what the best options are, and comparing them based on what they can offer and what the cost is.”

Board member Kathy Amuso said both CLA and Scanlon have comparable reviews with high recommendations. Especially considering the budget crisis Pittsfield is in, she moved to recommend Scanlon to the full council.

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