PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A Pittsfield man was found guilty by a Berkshire Superior Court jury on Wednesday for rape and intimidation of a witness.
The conviction stems from an April 15, 2019 incident in which 50-year-old Cesar Lagunas , raped a victim and later threatened them with blackmail to prevent reporting the crime.
“This survivor demonstrated immense strength and resilience throughout this process,” Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said in a statement. “I am thankful for the jury’s decision and appreciate their service.”
Despite going to Mexico on Monday, November 11, partway through the trial, the court allowed proceedings to continue. A warrant has been issued for Lagunas’ arrest, and efforts to locate him are ongoing.