Pittsfield man convicted of rape, intimidating witness

PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A Pittsfield man was convicted Wednesday by a Berkshire Supreme Court jury of rape and intimidation of a witness.

The conviction stems from an incident involving a 50-year-old man on April 15, 2019. Cesar Lagunasraped a victim and then threatened to blackmail her to prevent the crime from being reported.

“This survivor has demonstrated tremendous strength and resilience throughout this process,” Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said in a statement. he said. “I am grateful for the jury’s verdict and appreciate their service.”

Although he left for Mexico on Monday, November 11, in the middle of the trial, the court allowed the trial to continue. A warrant has been issued for Lagunas’ arrest and efforts to locate him are ongoing.

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