Pittsfield Man Charged in Harvard Street Stabbing

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A Pittsfield man has been charged with stabbing two people on Harvard Street last week.

Jacob Frusciente, 32, of Daniels Avenue was arraigned Thursday in Central Berkshire District Court on single counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon resulting in serious bodily injury.   
 
Frusciente was ordered to be held on $50,000 cash bail pending a mental health evaluation.
 
According to police, officers responded to the report of a stabbing at a Harvard Street home about midnight on Wednesday, Dec. 11. Two people were found to have non-life-threatening stab wounds.
 
"The two adult victims, a male and female who are both Pittsfield residents, were treated at Berkshire Medical Center (BMC) for their injuries," according to police.
 
"The male victim received more substantial injuries but both are expected to survive."
 
Police said Frusciente is believed to be acquainted with the victims.
 
To provide information on this case, contact the Detective Bureau at 413-448-9705, or anonymously at 413-448-9706, or by texting PITTIP and your message to TIP411 (847411).
 

 


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Pittsfield Considering Nonprofit for School Investigation

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council and School Committee will consider a children's advocacy nonprofit to audit the Pittsfield Public Schools.

On Tuesday, the council supported a petition from Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren requesting to schedule a joint meeting to receive a presentation from Jetta Bernier, executive director of Enough Abuse.

"The object is, we're trying to address a serious problem of sexual abuse in the schools," Warren said. "And I want to get this off the ground and I want to get us moving."

On Dec. 11, PHS Dean of Students Lavante Wiggins was arrested and charged by the U.S. Attorney's Office for allegedly conspiring to traffic large quantities of cocaine. He was the first of three staff members to be put on administrative leave, the other two being investigated by the state Department of Children and Families.

Another former staff member at PHS is also under DCF investigation and a civil complaint has been filed against a recently retired teacher and the school related to sexual harassment.

Bulkley Richardson Gelinas of Springfield has been hired for "independent and impartial investigations of certain Pittsfield Public School employees." Last week, the School Committee tabled a retainer agreement with Mirick and O'Connell to audit the district's employment practices and procedures, a second investigation.

Warren pointed out that issues are constantly raised in the city and then die down. He doesn't want to see that happen here.

"Some of that occurs when the public doesn't have much of an opportunity to be involved. I think you see that with the public not having a chance to address the investigation process. I'm lucky that I'm a public official so I was able to address some of the investigation components that should have been added that weren't," he said.

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