Hill sentenced to prison on rape charges

A former Pittsfield man found guilty Wednesday was sentenced this afternoon in Berkshire Superior Court.  The jury deliberated for about 5 and a half hours before returning its verdict against 36 year old MICHAEL J. HILL. 

HILL was found guilty on two (2) counts of AGGRAVATED RAPE, one (1) count of KIDNAPPING, two (2) counts of ASSAULT BY MEANS OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON and one (1) count of THREAT TO COMMIT A CRIME, TO WIT: MURDER.  Judge Ford ordered that he serve concurrent 22 to 25 year state prison sentences at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution at Cedar Junction on the charges of AGGRAVATED RAPE.  HILL was given concurrent jail time on the other charges.          

The incidents occurred in Pittsfield and Lenox between February 1, 2010 and February 20, 2010 and involved a 21 year old woman. 

The investigation was conducted by members of the Pittsfield Police Department.