On May 23rd and May 24th, the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office arraigned two individuals, Michael Caropreso and George Stewart, on drug trafficking charges. Both Defendants were arrested on warrants following prior investigations into drug trafficking. The investigations were conducted by the Pittsfield Police Department and the Berkshire County Law Enforcement Task Force.
Michael Caropreso (Becket: 11/27/1973) was arraigned in Central Berkshire District Court on May 23rd. When the Defendant was arrested, he possessed approximately 56 grams of cocaine. Caropreso is charged with Trafficking in Cocaine, 36 grams or more, less than 100 grams. He is being held on $150,000 cash bail.
George Stewart (Pittsfield: 4/13/1980) was arraigned in Central Berkshire District Court on May 24th. When the Defendant was arrested, he had approximately 300 grams of cocaine and an illegal firearm. Additionally, Stewart had an outstanding warrant at the time of his arrest. Stewart is charged with:
• Trafficking in Cocaine, 200 grams or more
• Possession of Firearm in a Felony
• Possession of a Firearm Without an FID Card
• Improper Storage of a Firearm
• Possession of Ammunition without an FID Card
• Firearm Violation With 3 Prior Violent/Drug Crimes
Stewart is being held on $250,000 cash bail.
Berkshire District Attorney Shugrue stated, “With these two arraignments, a large amount of cocaine has been removed from the streets of Berkshire County. Michael Caropreso and George Stewart were attempting to operate large-scale drug trafficking efforts in our county. Arrests such as these allow law enforcement to significantly reduce the drugs flowing into Berkshire County. I commend the Berkshire County Law Enforcement Task Force for their dedicated work.”
District Attorney Shugrue added, “Those who bring large amounts of drugs and illegal firearms into our county will be held accountable.”