News  Berkshire District Attorney’s Office Obtains Guilty Verdict In Adams Motor Vehicle Homicide

BERKSHIRE COUNTY — The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office obtained a guilty verdict following a five-day jury trial against an Adams woman for the death of Jerome Berard.

The Berkshire Superior Court jury found Debra Milesi, 60, guilty of motor vehicle homicide while under the influence of alcohol and operating negligently, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident – death resulting, and negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

Judge John Agostini scheduled sentencing for Friday, March 25.

In the early hours of September 29, 2018, Milesi hit the then 38-year-old Berard, who was standing outside of his vehicle on East Hoosac Street in Adams, with her car. Milesi then drove away before Adams Police stopped her.

Adams Police arrested Milesi, who was intoxicated. Adams Ambulance transported Berard to Berkshire Medical Center, where he later died.

“Jerome Berard’s death was a terrible loss to his family, friends and community. I hope this conviction provides some satisfaction for his loved ones. I thank Adams and State Police for their thorough investigation and I thank the jury for hearing the evidence and rendering a just verdict,” District Attorney Andrea Harrington said. “Fatal impaired driving collisions are preventable, and deterrence works to prevent tragedy. This conviction holds the person responsible for Mr. Berard’s death accountable for her decision to drive after drinking.”

Adams Police, Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit, Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services Section, Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section responded to the scene.

Berkshire District Attorney Andrea Harrington’s office serves all 32 cities and towns in Berkshire County. The office represents the Commonwealth in more than 7,500 criminal cases per year in Berkshire Superior Court, three district courts, three juvenile courts, Massachusetts Appeals Court, and Supreme Judicial Court. The office works closely with the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office, the Berkshire Law Enforcement Task Force, and collaborates with local police departments across the county. A dedicated staff of more than 50 prioritizes public safety, empowering victims and witnesses through services and support, and building a safe community for everyone and especially the most vulnerable.