image description — K. Scott Kelley, former Adams police chief, is facing fraud charges related to misuse of funds. He was placed on leave in September.

Former Adams Police Chief Facing Fraud Charges

Staff Reports06:25PM / Wednesday, April 08, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The former chief of police in Adams was indicted Tuesday on fraud charges by a Berkshire County grand jury. He is accused of taking nearly $20,000 in overtime funds he didn't earn.

Kevin Scott Kelley, aka K. Scott Kelley, 46, was relieved of duty in September and placed on a paid leave of absence until December. Adams town officials declined to say if he was fired or resigned at that time.

He is accused of submitting fraudulent reimbursement claims under a municipal traffic enforcement grant administered by the Office of Grants and Research in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, according to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office.

The alleged conduct began in or about January 2024 and continued through at least January 2025 and was reported by officers under Kelley's command.

The members of the Adams Police Department identified discrepancies in the reimbursement submissions and gathered evidence indicative of fraudulent activity. They subsequently requested assistance from the Berkshire State Police Detective Unit and the DA's Office.

Based on the materials initially collected by Adams Police, State Police conducted a formal investigation, which concluded that the defendant submitted and received $19,123.15 in overtime compensation for dates on which he either absent from work or performed duties not consistent with the requirements of the grant program.

Kelley was sworn in on January 2021 to replace the retired Chief Richard Tarsa. He came with more than 25 years experience in law enforcement, most recently as police chief for Spartanburg (S.C.) Community College.

His address was given as Mauldin, S.C. He sold his house in Adams last fall.

The indictment states procurement fraud, false claim to employer and larceny more than $1,200. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in state prison or 2 1/2 years in a House of Correction.

Kelley will be arraigned on a future date at Berkshire Superior Court.

Tags: Adams Police, fraud, police chief,

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Pittsfield's Highland Restaurant Closing After 90 Years of Business

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:52PM / Monday, August 03, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Highland Restaurant will close after 90 years of serving locals pasta, seafood, and other Italian favorites.

On Sunday, the restaurant announced on social media that August will be its last month in business.

"In 1936, The Highland Restaurant opened its doors with overarching goals of bringing people together, serving great food, and creating lasting memories. For 90 years, generations of families, friends, and neighbors have made The Highland part of their lives. It has been our privilege to be part of yours," a Facebook post reads.

"As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we have also reached a natural conclusion. It is with a rush of mixed emotions that we announce August will be our final month in business."

The eatery at 100 Fenn Street, right next to City Hall, is owned by Pasquale, Gerardo and Dario Arace. The owners wrote that The Highland has always been more than a restaurant: "It has been our family's home and life's work."

They hope that every time people think of The Highland, it is with a smile.

"We are endlessly grateful to our employees, with some being with us for more than 50 years, for their loyalty, dedication, and friendship," the post reads.

"Above all, thank you to the people of Berkshire County and beyond. Your support, kindness, and memories have sustained us for nine decades. We hope The Highland will always be remembered not just for the meals we served, but for the moments shared around our tables."

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