Man who fled to Mexico convicted of Berkshire County rape

A former Pittsfield man was found guilty Wednesday of raping a person and threatening them with blackmail if they reported the crime.

The defendant, 51-year-old Cesar Lagunas, was not there in Berkshire Superior Court to hear the jury’s guilty verdict on charges of rape and intimidation of a witness. He fled to Mexico mid-way through the trial, according to the Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office.

The rape happened on April 15, 2019.

“The survivor demonstrated immense strength and resilience throughout this process. I am thankful for the jury’s decision and appreciate their service,” said District Attorney Timothy Shugrue in a statement.

A warrant has been issued for Lagunas’ arrest. Pittsfield Police, Massachusetts State Police and Homeland Security Investigation are looking for him.