North Adams man pleads guilty to assaulting a six-year-old

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. (NEWS10) -- The Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office announced on Friday that 37-year-old Jesriel Morales of North Adams pleaded guilty in a child abuse case. Morales admitted to three counts of aggravated assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a child and two counts of assault and battery.

As part of his plea, Morales confessed to beating a six-year-old back in 2022. He admitted to slapping the child, slamming them into a wall and a window, striking them with a belt, and making them kneel on dried rice.

"I am pleased with the guilty plea. Jesriel Morales preyed on the most innocent member of society," Berkshire County District Attorney Shugrue stated. "Today my thoughts are with the very young victim. I hope this conclusion provides them some peace and feeling of safety and security."

In accordance with his plea agreement, Morales was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for the aggravated assault and battery charges and two years of probation for the remaining charges. He was additionally prohibited from making contact with the victim and was ordered to participate in a fatherhood program.