Man Sentenced to State Prison After 2022 North Adams Drug Offense

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Nichols Melendez, 33 of Springfield, was sentenced in Berkshire Superior Court to seven to nine years in state prison.
 
On Monday, Dec. 2 Melendez pleaded guilty to six charges related to drug distribution and illegal firearm possession.
 
According to a report from the District Attorney's Office, On March 15, 2022, the North Adams Police Department executed a search warrant of 64 Charles Street, North Adams. The search was conducted based on previous investigation a suspected large-scale drug distribution involving Melendez. 
 
There were four people in the Charles Street residence during the search including Melendez and Troy Dupras. Dupras pleaded guilty earlier to drug trafficking charges related to the same search. When police entered the residence, they discovered Melendez in a back bedroom. Melendez was found to have an illegal firearm, approximately $11,882 in cash, and large amounts of drugs and drug trafficking paraphernalia. 
 
Evidence recovered from the scene included 92.9 grams of crack cocaine (valued at approximately $9,290), 10,130 bags of heroin (valued at approximately $60,780), around $11,882 in cash, a loaded High Point 9mm firearm, 9mm ammunition, and drug distribution paraphernalia such as digital scales, multiple phones, and plastic baggies.
 
The charges include trafficking in cocaine (7 to 9 years in state prison), trafficking in fentanyl (36–100g, 7 to 9 years in state prison, concurrent), illegal possession of a firearm (2.5 to 5 years in state prison, concurrent), illegal possession of a loaded firearm (2.5 years in state prison, concurrent), armed career felon (7 to 9 years in state prison, concurrent), and improper storage of a firearm, rifle, or shotgun (1.5 years in the House of Corrections, concurrent).

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Pittsfield Council OKs Privacy Measure, Sees Bridge Update

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

The state plans to remove some of crumbling concrete on the Dalton Avenue bridge and wrap its repairs into a project with the rail trail. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council is taking steps to protect its own privacy, as well as public comment speakers' privacy. 

On Tuesday, councilors voted to remove their home addresses from city documents and websites and replace them with 70 Allen St., or City Hall, to improve safety. It was brought forward by Ward 4 Councilor James Conant, Ward 7 Councilor Katherine Moody, Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, and Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham. 

"This is an easy proposal to support," Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi said. 

While this doesn't completely block their addresses from public view, as they are listed elsewhere as residents, it makes them a little harder to access. 

Moody pointed out that a Virginia city councilor was set on fire last year by a member of the public. NBC News reported that the attack stemmed from a personal matter. 

"I don't think anybody worries about me being able to defend myself, but I do have children, and I worry for them," Moody explained. 

Warren pointed out that they have done the same for those who speak at public comment. When he was first elected into office years ago, people picketed at his home for his stance on a School Committee issue. 

"Back then, it wasn't that big a deal. Now we find ourselves in very divisive times," Warren said. 

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