North Adams Man Arrested And Facing Multiple Charges

A North Adams man is facing a series of drug charges after an extensive police investigation that ended with the execution of a no-knock warrant earlier this week.

The Berkshire Eagle reports that, Berkshire County prosecutors say Ryan Peterson, 30, dealt crack cocaine and heroin from his residence at 135 East Quincy St. Detectives from the North Adams Police Department built evidence for the case through three controlled purchases by two informants, stretching from 2017 to last week.

Peterson pleaded not guilty to the offenses Friday in Northern Berkshire District Court. The charges include carrying a firearm without a license, possessing a firearm after two convictions of drug crimes and possessing Class A and B drugs with the intent to distribute them.

Peterson has a long history of crime and interactions with law enforcement. According to the search warrant authorizing his arrest, Peterson has faced 44 adult arraignments and 16 juvenile ones, including a slew of drug charges and assault and battery on a police officer.

The Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit also lists him as a validated member of multiple gangs in his hometown of New Bedford.