North Adams Man Sentenced To State Prison On Rape Charges

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UPDATE ON 06132025: On Wednesday, June 11, Austin Miller-Robinson was sentenced to 18 to 20 years in State Prison for the charges of Aggravated Rape of a Child with Force and Rape and Abuse of a Child Aggravated by Age Difference. 
 
Miller-Robinson was found guilty of these crimes by a jury of his peers on June 4th.
 
District Attorney Shugrue, co-founder of the Kids' Place Child Advocacy Center, stated: "This is an important victory for the children and citizens of Berkshire County. I will always advocate for the strongest possible penalties under the law for anyone who harms our children."
 
District Attorney Shugrue requested the crimes be sentenced to the maximum sentenced and be served consecutively. 
 
"While the sentence is less than my request, and the criminal penalties are to be served concurrently, the 18-to-20-year sentence is substantial. Today is a good day for the children in the Berkshires," he said.
 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — On Wednesday, June 4 Austin Miller-Robinson, 29 of North Adams, was found guilty of three crimes by a jury of his peers in Berkshire Superior Court. 

 
The Defendant was found guilty of:
  • Aggravated Rape of a Child with Force
  • Rape and Abuse of a Child Aggravated by Age Difference
Aggravated Rape of a Child with Force carries a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years. Rape and Abuse of a Child Aggravated by Age Difference carries a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years.
 
Austin Miller-Robinson raped a three-year-old child in July 4, 2019. He was 23 years old at the time.
 
"While we are pleased with today's verdict, it brings to light the horrific abuse that exists in the fringes of society. This guilty verdict provides a measure of justice for an innocent child who endured unimaginable harm at the hands of an adult," District Attorney Shugrue said. "It is my hope that today begins the process of closure for the victim's family and an opportunity for healing and moving forward."
 
He continued, "I also want to recognize the immense dedication of the Berkshire District Attorney's Office Child Abuse Unit. The prosecution of child abuse day in and day out is incredibly difficult. Their commitment to bringing justice on behalf of their young victims is admirable work that few can handle."
 
Chief of the Child Abuse Unit, Assistant District Attorney Andrew Giarolo represented the Commonwealth. Kristen Rapkowicz served as the Victim Witness Advocate on behalf of the Berkshire District Attorney's Office. North Adams Police Department served as the lead law enforcement agency on the case supported by the Berkshire District Attorney's State Police Detective Unit, Kids' Place, and the multi-disciplinary team led by Emily Zoltan.
 
Sentencing will take place in Berkshire Superior Court on Wednesday, June 11.
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North Adams Council Looks to AG for Assurances on Federal Grant

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — City officials want to know if the attorney general will defend them if they refuse to abide by certain provisions in a federal grant for the Police Department. 
 
The City Council on Tuesday voted to postpone action until Nov. 10 on a fiscal year 2025 Edward Bernard Memorial Justice Assistant Grant after an hour of debate and hearing from more than a half-dozen audience members in opposition.  
 
"Let's take all the time that we have. Let's wait for them to actually do their due diligence and fight these provisions and, hopefully, win, and then it's not a problem at all, and everybody's happy, and we take care of it," said Council President Ashley Shade. "And if they don't get the provisions out, let's make sure that they're willing to defend us if we accept it. And if they are, let's fight them. Let's fight them on this."
 
The U.S. Department of Justice grant for $14,231 is to update the department's overstuffed evidence room to aid its accreditation process. But new requirements within the contract about active or passive cooperation with federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, have raised fears within the council and community. 
 
Mayor Jennifer Macksey and Police Chief Mark Bailey had explained the need for an evidence room two weeks ago and assured that Police Department didn't deal with civil matters like immigration, but the council rejected the grant. Shade motioned for it be reconsidered for discussion, which passed. 
 
Audience members spoke out in opposition to accepting the grant, often to applause. 
 
"We cannot trust that they aren't attaching strings that we think, in good faith, could not happen," said Sarah Farnsworth from North Adams. "That they could not make us do things that we are protected from in the Constitution. And we have seen over and over that somehow that manages to happen."
 
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