LEE - The Berkshire district attorney said charges will be pursued against two people who had been facing prostitution-related charges until being extorted for money by now-suspended Police Chief Joseph Buffis, as alleged by federal law enforcement officials. Buffis, 55, of Pittsfield, was charged Thursday in Springfield's federal district court by the U.S. attorney who accuses him of crimes including...
LEE - The Berkshire district attorney said charges will be pursued against two people who had been facing prostitution-related charges until being extorted for money by now-suspended Police Chief Joseph Buffis, as alleged by federal law enforcement officials.
Buffis, 55, of Pittsfield, was charged Thursday in Springfield's federal district court by the U.S. attorney who accuses him of crimes including extortion and money laundering.
According to U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz, Buffis extorted $4,000 from the pair facing charges in February 2012, placed the money in a toy fund for needy children, then withdrew most if it to use for his personal expenses. In return for the $4,000, the charges were not pursued, according to indictments released Thursday.
David Capeless, Berkshire district attorney In an interview Thursday Berkshire District Attorney David Capeless said the case against Buffis began when the now-suspended Lee police chief suddenly stopped the prosecution of the pair.
"We became alarmed and began to look into it," Capeless said. "I was very concerned a charge as serious as prostitution was being scuttled."
On Friday a Capeless spokesman confirmed charges would again be sought against the pair.
"Charges are going to be reissued," spokesman Fred Lantz said, despite the pair's cooperation with the investigation of Buffis.
Buffis has not returned calls seeking comment. His lawyer has proclaimed his innocence.
The charges against Buffis followed a nearly yearlong investigation by state police and the FBI.
Buffis was suspended without pay on Friday in the wake of Thursday’s federal indictment. Former Police Chief Ronald Glidden, who retired in 2011, is now in charge of the Lee Police Department.
“I have appointed former Chief Ronald Glidden to serve temporarily as the Town of Lee police chief,” Lee Town Administrator Robert Nason said in a statement Friday morning.