On Friday, June 30th a bail hearing was held for Donald Monsees (71 years of age) in Berkshire Superior Court following 180-day hold expired. Monsees faces 15 indictments including:
- 2 counts of rape of a child with force
- 2 counts of rape of enhanced a child with force after certain offenses
- 7 counts of Indecent assault and battery child under
- 7 counts of enhanced indecent assault and battery of a child under 14 by prior convicted offender,
- 2 counts Indecent Exposure
- 1 count Disseminating harmful matter to a minor
- 2 counts Enticing a child
- 1 count witness intimidation
Monsees is a prior convicted sex offender.
The Commonwealth asked for continued hold without the right or the alternative of $500,000 cash bail. The defense asked for immediate release due to Monsees chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and kidney cancer. The Honorable Judge Flannery sided with the Commonwealth finding bail appropriate. Judge Flannery expanded saying the Berkshire House of Corrections has provided adequate access to care and that, additionally, Monsees’ prior convictions; numerous victims; potential life sentence with mandatory minimum; and ties to Florida make bail appropriate versus immediate release. Jude Flannery set bail at $250,000 cash. Judge Flannery did not set conditions stating that he did not expect Monsees to be able to post bail. The next court date will be in December, 2023 for a final pre-trial conference.
Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Ilberg represented the Commonwealth. Carmen Guevara served as the victim witness advocate on behalf of the District Attorney’s Office. The Adams Police Department and North Adams Police Department were the lead law enforcement agency in the case.