On Wednesday, November 13th Cesar Lagunas (1/9/73: formally of Pittsfield) was found guilty of Rape and Intimidation of a Witness. The Defendant was found guilty by a jury of his peers in Berkshire Superior Court. The Honorable Judge Agostini presided.
On April 15, 2019, Lagunas raped a person and then threatened them with blackmail if they reported the rape.
District Attorney Shugrue’s stated, “The survivor demonstrated immense strength and resilience throughout this process. I am thankful for the jury’s decision and appreciate their service.'”
Mid-way through the trial, the Defendant fled to Mexico; however, the Judge determined that the trial could continue. A warrant has been issued for Cesar Lagunas arrest.
Chief of the Child Abuse Unit Andrew Giarolo represented the Commonwealth. Director of Victim Witness Advocates Jane Kibby-Pierce served on behalf of the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office. The Pittsfield Police conducted the investigation.
Since fleeing to Mexico on Monday, November 11th, law enforcement response has included the Pittsfield Police Department, the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office; New York State Police and Homeland Security Investigation.