PITTSFIELD — A city councilman has been arrested and charged with warning an alleged drug dealer about a police investigation before authorities raided the dealer's home last spring.

Paul Capitanio, 57, a longtime Pittsfield bar owner and a Ward 3 councilor since 2009, vigorously denied the charges, which sent shock waves through the Berkshire County city.

Capitanio and his attorney, Timothy Shugrue, have not responded to multiple email requests for comment, but Shugrue reportedly claims the charges against his client are flimsy.

"The only allegations against my client come from a drug dealer, who's now arrested for a crime – not charged for it, not held on it – (and) is walking the streets," Shugrue said in a television interview with CBS 6 in Albany, N.Y.

"So, his easy way out is, 'Oh, I'll blame (Capitanio),' and that's what he's done," said the former Berkshire County prosecutor, who lost a 2004 bid to become district attorney.

Capitanio is free on bail after pleading not guilty Tuesday in Central Berkshire District Court to charges of conspiracy to violate drug laws and accessory after the fact.

Earlier this summer, Capitanio announced he would not seek reelection when his current term expires.

"This is a very unfortunate and sad situation," Pittsfield Mayor Daniel L. Bianchi told The Berkshire Eagle.



"No one is above the law, regardless of name or title," Berkshire District Attorney David F. Capeless told the Pittsfield newspaper.

Law enforcement officials claim Capitanio purchased painkillers from a local drug dealer. A multi-agency investigation revealed the dealer received a tip about a planned springtime raid from a "councilman friend," who has since been identified as Capitanio, according to police and prosecutors.

If Capitanio is indicted by a grand jury, his case would be kicked up to Berkshire Superior Court. For now, though, he's due back in District Court for an Oct. 3 hearing.

The investigation is being led by Massachusetts State Police, with assistance from various law enforcement agencies.