Superior Court Briefs: Aug. 2

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On July 31 Trevon Thompson, of Pittsfield, pleaded guilty and was sentenced on two charges stemming back to an arrest from February 10, 2023. 
 
The sentencing took place in Berkshire Superior Court and was overseen by Judge Agostini. The Defendant was arrested as a part of a greater investigation into drug trafficking in North Adams.  
 
Charges and Sentencing:
  • Possession of Class B with Intent to Distribute - 2 ½ years in the House of Corrections suspended sentence for three years with the following conditions:
    • Complete substance abuse evaluation
    • Follow any recommendations from probation
    • Remain drug free
    •  Submit to random screens
  • Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute - 3 years' probation with above conditions
Law enforcement involved in the case included the North Adams Police Department and the Berkshire Law Enforcement Task Force. Assistant District Attorney Rachael Eramo represented the Commonwealth.
 
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On July 30, Ryan Starbird, 20 years old of Pittsfield, entered an unagreed plea of guilty and was sentenced in Berkshire Superior Court by Judge Agostini. 
 
According to a report, the case stems from a 2023 incident at the Berkshire Crossing shopping plaza parking lot. The Defendant and another man had an altercation. The report continued that Starbird was in possession of an illegal firearm.
 
During the altercation, the Defendant's gun discharged, and he sustained an injury to his own hand. The victim sustained an injury to his groin. The Defendant did not have a license to carry a firearm.
 
Charges and Sentencing:
  • Illegal Possession of A Firearm - 2 ½ years House of Corrections 
  • Illegal Possession of A Loaded Firearm - 3 years' probation from and after jail
  • Assault & Battery By Means Of A Dangerous Weapon - Causing Serious Bodily Injury - 3 years' probation from and after jail
  • Discharging A Firearm Within 500 Feet of A Building - 3 years' probation from and after jail
  • Assault And Battery By Discharging A Firearm - 3 years' probation from and after jail
The Commonwealth requested an extended sentence with 2 ½ years in the House of Corrections for the first count, Illegal Possession of a Firearm, and 2 ½ years in the House of Corrections on and after the first count. Defense requested 1 ½ years in the House of Correction followed by probation.
 
Law enforcement and emergency responders included the Pittsfield Police Department; the Dalton Police Department; and Action Ambulance. Both individuals were treated for their wounds at Berkshire Medical Center.
 
Assistant District Attorney Amy Winston represented the Commonwealth. Kristen Rapkowicz served as the Victim Witness Advocate on behalf of the Berkshire District Attorney's Office.
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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