Man's bail revoked on eve of assault trial

Berkshire Eagle Staff

PITTSFIELD — A Dalton man was held without bail yesterday after allegedly intimidating the woman set to testify against him in a domestic assault trial that begins tomorrow in District Court.

James D. Bynack, 26, was arrested Saturday after an incident in which Jenna Savoy told police that Bynack had argued with her about her intention to testify against him in connection with a March 7 assault that led to his arrest on a domestic assault and battery charge.

The argument violated the terms of a restraining order that followed the March 7 incident, said Assistant District Attorney Joseph Pieropan, speaking in court yesterday to Judge Frederic D. Rutberg.

Pieropan said Bynack should have also been charged with intimidation of a witness, but was not.

"On the eve of trial, he's obstructing justice," said Pieropan.

Because the March 7 charges against Bynack were pending when he was arrested Saturday on a new offense — violating a restraining order — his $300 bail was automatically revoked.

Bynack's attorney, Thomas Doyle, argued that the statements of the alleged victim, Savoy, should be in question. He

said her accusations were "retaliatory," and that if she was in fear of Bynack as she stated, she did not call police, but called her mother instead.

He said Bynack, who is employed, could be released with conditions, but Rutberg denied Doyle's request. He set bail on the new charge at $1,000.