News  Berkshire District Attorney’s Office Secures Jail Sentences In Three Domestic Violence Cases

BERKSHIRE COUNTY — The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office secured jail sentences in three recent domestic violence cases.

In an evidence-based prosecution on Thursday, the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office successfully argued for the Southern Berkshire District Court to sentence Kyle Porterfield, 33, of Wyandanch, N.Y. to one year at the Berkshire County House of Correction on single counts of assault and battery on a household member, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and assault and battery.

On March 7, Porterfield assaulted a woman at the Holiday Inn in Great Barrington. Great Barrington Police secured surveillance video of the attack and the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office proceeded with the prosecution with that evidence.

Last week, the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office successfully secured an 18 months sentence in the Central Berkshire District Court for Christopher Siok, 40, of Alford.  Siok will serve his sentence at the Berkshire County House of Correction on single counts of assault and battery, breaking and entering, and resisting arrest.

Siok assaulted the victim, broke into her home, and damaged her vehicle over the course of a weekend. Dalton Police investigated and secured a warrant for his arrest. Until Dalton Police made the arrest, officers remained vigilant in protecting the victim.

On Friday, March 12, the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office successfully argued for the Central Berkshire District Court to sentence Shane Street, 31, of Pittsfield to two years at the Berkshire County House of Correction on charges of breaking and entering and resisting arrest.

Street broke into the victim’s apartment after exhibiting stalking-like behavior and the victim requesting a restraining order. Pittsfield Police investigated the case.

 “These convictions reflect the commitment and dedication of my office and our partners in law enforcement to victims of domestic and sexual violence. The police departments in each of these cases did phenomenal work in investigating the crimes and protecting the victims and our prosecutors held the perpetrators accountable,” District Attorney Andrea Harrington said.

“These are the type of cases we are prioritizing. The majority of our dispositions during the pandemic are domestic violence cases involving perpetrators who pose a significant threat to the victim.”

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.