News  Berkshire District Attorney’s Office Secures Jail Sentence in Bank Embezzlement Case

PITTSFIELD — The Berkshire District Attorney's Office obtained a jail sentence for a Pittsfield man who embezzled approximately $220,000 from his employer.

Judge Douglas Wilkins sentenced Leonard Curtis, 27, to serve two and a half years at the Berkshire County House of Correction and two years of probation afterward, during which the defendant must pay restitution.

Curtis pled guilty on Aug. 1 to a single count of embezzlement from a bank, three counts of forgery of a check, three counts of uttering a false check, and a single count of larceny over $1,200 by a single scene.

The Berkshire District Attorney's Office requested a sentence of two to three years in state prison, two years probation afterward, and restitution. Defense Counsel asked for a sentence of probation and an order for the defendant to pay the money back at a rate of approximately $30,000 per year. The state sentencing guidelines recommend one to three years of incarceration.

"This conviction and sentence reinforce a message that white collar crimes are serious and those who commit them will be held accountable and punished. Financial institutions trust their employees with their customers' financial well-being, and those who use that position for personal gain undermine the public's confidence, demoralize other employees, and strain our entire community," District Attorney Andrea Harrington said.

"I thank the Pittsfield Police Department for their detailed investigation into this ongoing scheme, and I am proud of the trial team for their aggressive prosecution of this crime."

Between Feb. 27, 2018, and Oct. 26, 2018, Curtis wrote 103 cashier checks totaling approximately $220,000 from an unauthorized account for various personal uses.

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.