Superior Court Briefs: July 10 - July 12

Cases heard before Judge John Agostini on Monday, July 10.

 

George Bliss Jr., 31, of Pittsfield pleaded guilty to five counts of armed robbery in connection with a series of robberies in Pittsfield between January 7, 2016 and January 24, 2016.

 

He was ordered to serve concurrent two and a half to four years at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution at Cedar Junction.

 

A single count of armed robbery was dismissed by the state.

 

Cases heard before Judge John Agostini on Tuesday, July 11.

 

Derrick Saunders Jr., 22, of Pittsfield pleaded guilty to single counts of illegal possession of a large capacity feeding device, illegal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of a loaded firearm, possession of ammunition without a firearm identification card, and possession of counterfeit notes.

 

He was ordered to serve concurrent two and a half to three years at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution at Cedar Junction on the illegal possession of a large capacity feeding device and illegal possession of a firearm. He was given concurrent time on the possession of ammunition without a firearm identification card and possession of counterfeit notes. The illegal possession of a firearm charge was placed on file.

 

The charges stem from a motor vehicle stop in Pittsfield on December 12, 2016.

 

Bryan Raney, 30, of Pittsfield had not guilty pleas entered on his behalf on two counts of rape and one count of indecent assault and battery on a person who has attained age 14.

 

He was released on personal recognizance. The incidents allegedly occurred in Pittsfield on May 5, 2017 and the alleged victim is a 28-year-old woman.

 

Cases heard before Judge John Agostini on Wednesday, July 12.

 

Brian Ducksworth, 26, of Hartford, Conn. pleaded guilty to single counts of possession of heroin with intent to distribute and conspiracy to violate drug laws in connection with the execution of a search warrant on Jackson Street in North Adams on December 15, 2015.

 

He pleaded guilty to single counts of possession of heroin with intent to distribute and conspiracy to violate drug laws in relation to the execution of a search warrant on West Shaft Road in North Adams on July 26, 2016.

 

Ducksworth was ordered to serve concurrent two and a half years at the Berkshire County House of Correction on the 2016 charges and placed on probation for two years on the others.

 

Amanda Swift, 23, of Plymouth pleaded guilty to single counts of attempted arson of a dwelling house and burning personal property.

 

The charges were continued without a finding. Swift attempted to set fire to Barton's Crossing in Pittsfield on April 18, 2016.