News  Berkshire District Attorney’s Office Secures Conviction of West Stockbridge Woman for Motor Vehicle Homicide

PITTSFIELD — The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office secured a jail sentence for a West Stockbridge woman for motor vehicle homicide.

Michelle Curletti, 45, pled guilty to single counts of motor vehicle homicide while operating under the influence of alcohol and operating under the influence causing serious bodily injury related to the January 2019 motor vehicle collision that killed Francis Kesse.

Judge John Agostini sentenced Curletti to serve two years on each charge for a total of four years at the Massachusetts Women’s Correctional Center at Chicopee. The state’s sentencing recommendations call for imprisonment for three years and four months to five years (40 to 60 months).

The Commonwealth requested a sentence of three to five years. The Defense Counsel requested two and a half years.

“I am especially in awe of the victim’s family in this case. Despite losing a loved one in this tragedy and experiencing significant trauma, they showed mercy and forgiveness by asking not for vengeance but instead to use this case to remind the public of the significant dangers of driving under the influence. I admire that courageous and honorable statement,” District Attorney Andrea Harrington said.

“Deterrence works to prevent these tragedies. My office seeks accountability and this jail sentence demonstrates to the community that there will be consequences for these actions.”

The then 33-year-old Kesse died after Curletti crossed the center line of Route 7 in Stockbridge and collided with the vehicle Kesse was a passenger. Originally from Ghana, Kesse worked at Hillcrest Education Centers and lived in Pittsfield with his wife and three children.

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.