The State Police Detective Unit assigned to Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni's office is seeking the public's help in identifying three individuals authorities believe to be involved in numerous credit card fraud cases in Western and central Massachusetts, Connecticut, and possibly Rhode Island.
The credit card fraud took place in March 2017. The suspects traveled to numerous Walmart stores and used stolen credit card information to make fraudulent purchases worth thousands of dollars. The suspects traveled together in a white Ford expedition EL (extended length) SUV at the time, which may have been a rental car with possible Rhode Island or other out-of-state registration plates.
If you think you recognize any of these individuals in the photos, call the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit, (413) 505-5936, or utilize Text-a-Tip by texting the word CRIMES (2-7-4-6-3-7) and type the word SOLVE into the body of the message followed by your tip.
Photos of the alleged suspects and the vehicle of interest are included with this post.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A city teen was arrested early Friday on firearms charges after dispatchers received multiple reports of shots fired in the area of Francis and Danforth avenues.
Pittsfield Police patrol officers, detectives, and anti-crime units responded to the area and encountered two individuals, one of whom was found to be in possession of a handgun.
Jason Sefton, 18, was arrested and charged with carrying a loaded firearm without a license and possession of ammunition without a firearm identification card. He was arraigned in Central Berkshire District Court early Friday afternoon.
No injuries were reported, and there is no known threat to the safety of the general public as a result of this incident.
Detectives are investigating reports that a vehicle, believed to be involved in the incident, fled the area prior to the arrival of Officers. A full investigation is being conducted by the Pittsfield Police Detective Bureau.
Anyone who may have witnessed, or who may have information about this incident, is asked to contact the Pittsfield Police Department Detective Bureau at 413-448- 9705. Information can also be provided anonymously via the Detective Bureau, the Drug Tips hotline at 413-448-9708, or by texting PITTIP plus your message to TIP411 (847411).
Cases heard before Judge Edward McDonough on Monday, May 22.
Joshua Stimpson, 30, of Pittsfield pleaded guilty to single counts of possession of heroin with intent to distribute -his second offense - and conspiracy to violate drug laws.
He was ordered to serve concurrent three and a half to four years at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution at Cedar Junction.
The charges stem from a motor vehicle stop in North Adams on June 27, 2016.
Cases heard before Judge Edward McDonough on Tuesday, May 23.
Francisco Reyes, 37, of Pittsfield was found guilty on three counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under the age of 14, and two counts of rape of a child with force.
He was ordered to be held at the Berkshire County House of Correction without bail until sentencing. On Thursday, Reyes was sentenced to 10 to 12 years at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution at Cedar Junction on the rape of a child charges and given concurrent nine to 10 years in state prison on the others.
Reyes sexually assaulted a girl now 15 years of age in Pittsfield between November 1, 2014, and July 1, 2015.
Cases heard before Judge Edward McDonough on Thursday, May 25.
Courtney Tatro, 22, of Clarksburg pleaded guilty to single counts of possession of heroin with intent to distribute and conspiracy to violate drug laws.
Tatro was ordered to serve one year at the Hampden County House of Correction Chicopee Woman's Facility on the possession of heroin charge and given a one-year suspended sentence and placed on probation on the conspiracy charge.
The charges stem from a motor vehicle stop in North Adams on June 27, 2016.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police are asking for any information regarding a crash on Friday which left one man with life-threatening injuries.
Police say at just before midnight Friday night Matthew King, 35 of Wilson Street, was traveling in a Hyundai south on Wahconah Street when he veered into the northbound lane and collided with Ford van operated by Mitchell Messana, 25, of Richmond.
Both parties were taken to Berkshire Medical Center, with King being treated for life-threatening injuries and Messana for minor injuries.
Police are investigating the circumstances around the crash and are asking anyone who may have witnessed it or have information relating to it to contact Officer David Hallas at 448-9700 extension 379.
LENOX, Mass. — Investigators do not suspect foul play in the death of a missing Pittsfield man whose body was discovered Wednesday afternoon in October Mountain State Forest.
The body of 33-year-old Matthew J. Gottung was found about 3 p.m. Wednesday approximately 50 yards off Switchback Trail. The location of the body was not far from where Gottung's vehicle was discovered Monday.
Those involved in the search included members of the Lee and Lenox Police and Fire departments, Berkshire Mountain Search & Rescue, state environmental police, Berkshire County sheriff's office, state police from the Lee barracks and assigned to the Berkshire district attorney's office.
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