PHS Dean Arrested on Federal Drug Charges

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield High School's dean of students has been placed on administrative leave after a federal drug arrest on Wednesday morning.

Lavante Wiggins was one of two city men arrested and charged by the U.S. Attorney's Office for allegedly conspiring to traffic large quantities of cocaine in Western Massachusetts. Wiggins was arrested at his East Street home.

Superintendent Joseph Curtis promptly sent a communication to staff and parents addressing the arrest.  He said the district was informed by the U.S. Attorney's Office about the arrest of Wiggins and he has been placed on administrative leave effective immediately.

"Please know that we remain committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for our students and staff," he wrote. "We have no other information at this time."

Wiggins, 30, and Theodore Warren, also known as "Monty," 42, both of Pittsfield, were charged with one count each of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. They were arrested Wednesday morning and released on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court in Springfield in the afternoon.

According to the charging documents, Wiggins operated a drug-trafficking organization that distributed large amounts of cocaine in and around the Pittsfield area. It is alleged that Warren serves as a runner for Wiggins, who allegedly expressed concern that he was under investigation in August and sent Warren to complete sales and deliver cocaine.

"It is alleged that one of Wiggins' customers amassed a debt of more than $34,000 for cocaine that Wiggins provided on credit. It is further alleged that Wiggins and Warren then went about collecting on that debt while continuing to supply large amounts of cocaine to that customer," a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office reports.

Wiggins had been under investigation since March, according to charging documents. The customer is a co-operating witness who provided investigators with Wiggins' phone number and locations where the alleged criminal activities had occurred, among other detailed information. The witness has open criminal cases and is "hoping to mitigate" their sentence. 

Wiggins, a St. Joseph High School and Endicott College graduate, has worked at PHS since 2021. 

U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, special agent in charge with the FBI's Boston Division made the announcement Wednesday afternoon. Assistance was provided by the Holyoke, Springfield, Chicopee, West Springfield, Easthampton and Pittsfield Police Departments; Berkshire, Hampden and Franklin County Sherriff's Offices; Massachusetts State Police; and the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches, chief of the Springfield Branch Unit, is prosecuting the case.  
 

Pittsfield Council OKs Privacy Measure, Sees Bridge Update

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
01:43PM / Sunday, May 17, 2026

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.