Russell is arraigned on child sexual assault charges

A Pittsfield man was arraigned this afternoon in Berkshire Superior Court on sexual assault charges.  43 year old ARTHUR M. RUSSELL JR. (16 Cherry Street) appeared before Judge John Agostini. 

RUSSELL had not guilty pleas entered on his behalf on three (3) counts of RAPE OF A CHILD WITH FORCE AFTER CERTAIN OFFENSES and seven (7) counts of INDECENT ASSAULT AND BATTERY ON A CHILD UNDER 14 AFTER CERTAIN OFFENSES.  Judge Agostini ordered that he be held at the Berkshire County House of Correction on $10,000 cash or $100,000 surety bail on the condition he have no contact with the alleged victims. 

It is alleged that RUSSELL sexually assaulted two girls, ages 8 and 9, in Pittsfield between August 15, 2011 and September 23, 2012.  

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