PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On May 22, Fred Senter was sentenced to 8 to 10 years in state prison following an April 25 guilty verdict on 25 larceny related charges.

 

The Honorable Judge Flannery sentenced Senter to 8 to 10 years in state prison for the Larceny Over $250 from a victim over 60 years of age; 4 to 5 years for Larceny over $1,200 to be served concurrent; and 1 year in the House of Corrections for Larceny Under $1,200 to be served concurrent.

 

The Commonwealth requested 15 to 18 years in state prison: approximately one year for each victim that testified. Defense requested Senter serve 32 months.

 

According to a report, Fred Senter began operating Northern Stell Buildings and Structures in Lee during 2018. The business specialized in constructing carports and steel structures. Between Feb. 1, 2020, and Sept. 1, 2020, Senter entered a series of contracts to construct steel garages and/or carports that financially victimized individuals, towns, and companies. 

 

Senter told the victims he required a 50 percent deposit prior to beginning the work; however, after Senter received the deposit, the work would almost never begin. Senter completed a minimal amount of work for the contract held with the Richmond Volunteer Fire Department, a named victim in the case

 

The 18 victims in the case included residents of Berkshire County, the greater Massachusetts area, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island; a volunteer fire department; and privately owned businesses. In total, the victims lost over $300,000 under false pretenses that with a deposit, work would eventually be completed.