Man who fled to Mexico convicted of rape in Berkshire County

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

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

The rape took place on April 15, 2019.

“The survivor showed tremendous strength and resilience during this process. I am grateful for the jury’s decision and appreciate their service,” District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said in a statement.

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