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This page, VanWert enters not guilty pleas on sex trafficking charges, is offered by
Berkshire District Attorney's Office

Press Release

Press Release VanWert enters not guilty pleas on sex trafficking charges

For immediate release:

2/14/2018

Berkshire District Attorney David F. Capeless

Frederick A. Lantz

Phone

Call Frederick A. Lantz at (413) 443-5951

Online

Email Frederick A. Lantz at fred.a.lantz@state.ma.us

PITTSFIELD — A Pittsfield man was arraigned this morning in Berkshire Superior Court on several charges. 66 year old JOSEPH E. VANWERT (379 North Street) appeared before Judge John Agostini.

VANWERT had not guilty pleas entered on his behalf on one (1) count of CONSPIRACY TO TRAFFICK PERSONS FOR SEXUAL SERVITUDE, one (1) count of MAINTAINING A HOUSE OF PROSTITUTION and five (5) counts of PAYING FOR SEXUAL CONDUCT. Judge Agostini ordered that he be held at the Berkshire County House of Correction on $7,500 bail.

It is alleged that VANWERT conspired to traffick women to engage in commercial sexual activity. The incidents are alleged to have occurred in Pittsfield between November 1, 2014 and November 12, 2017.

The investigation was conducted by members of the Pittsfield Police Department.

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Media Contact

Phone

Call Frederick A. Lantz at (413) 443-5951

Online

Email Frederick A. Lantz at fred.a.lantz@state.ma.us

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