On August 16, 2023, Michael Purry (6/15/1974, last known town of residence, West Stockbridge) pled guilty and was sentenced in Berkshire Superior Court. Purry pled guilty to:
- Possession of Class B Substance with the Intent to Distribute
- Distribution of Cocaine, Subsequent Offense.
Purry was sentenced by the Honorable Judge Hogan. He was sentenced to 5-6 years in State Prison on both charges, to be served concurrent. Along with the sentence, there was a forfeiture of $5,269.
On January 22, 2020, the Berkshire County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 35 Appleton Avenue, Pittsfield Massachusetts. The search warrant was issued after extensive investigations indicated an active drug dealing operation was taking place at the residence.
When law enforcement entered, Michael Purry and four other individuals were found inside. Purry was in a bedroom. Law Enforcement observed cameras connected to a monitoring system located in the room Purry was found.
Law enforcement recovered multiple items during the search of 35 Appleton Avenue, including:
- A scale with white powder residue
- Drug dealing paraphernalia including a razor blade, sandwich size plastic bags and a dealer blowout
- A plastic bag containing a hard white substance
- A large knife and fake gun
- A jacket containing $2,009 in cash (Purry later admitted to owning the coat)
The hard white substance field tested positive for cocaine. A crime lab later found Purry’s DNA on the bag of cocaine.
Michael Purry has been convicted on drug and gun charges in the past. Prior to this sentence, Purry has served time on three separate sentences.
Assistant District Attorney Amy Winston represented the Commonwealth. The Berkshire County Drug Enforcement Task Force served as law enforcement on the case.