News  Berkshire District Attorney’s Office Obtains Guilty Verdict in Another Domestic Violence Case with Evidence-Based Prosecution

NORTH ADAMS — The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office obtained a guilty verdict in an evidence-based domestic violence prosecution on Monday.

Despite the victim choosing not to participate in the court proceedings, the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office proved in Northern Berkshire District Court that 45-year-old Joseph Deleon of Springfield committed assault and battery on a household member.

North Adams Police responded to a residence after receiving a 911 call on May 19. The victim did not provide a statement, but investigators determined that Deleon shoved the victim against a wall and dragged the victim down a hallway.

“There are very understandable reasons why a victim of domestic violence would not want to participate in the court process,” District Attorney Andrea Harrington said. “My office is not afraid to take difficult cases to trial, and a strong evidence-based prosecution of this case led to this guilty finding. I thank the North Adams Police Department for conducting a thorough investigation and the trial team for their dedication to accountability and excellent presentation of the evidence.”

During the investigation, the North Adams Police located a nearby surveillance video depicting some evidence of the attack, which corroborated a civilian witness. The Commonwealth proceeded to trial with the testimonies of the officers, the civilian, and the video.

The Berkshire District Attorney's Office asked the court to sentence Deleon to serve two and a half years in jail. Defense Counsel requested a 9-month sentence. Judge William Rota sentenced Deleon to serve nine months in jail on the charge.

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.