NORTH ADAMS, Mass. On Thursday, May 11, Shelly Nichlen, 43 of North Adams, pleaded guilty to one count of Home Invasion and two counts of Assault and Battery with a Deadly Weapon as a joint venture. 

 

Nichlen was sentenced by the Honorable Judge Flannery to 2.5 years in the House of Corrections with conditions upon release: enter a residential drug treatment program then go to an outpatient drug treatment program and remain drug and alcohol-free.

 

On September 24, 2017, Nichlen and two additional perpetrators, Ronald Sanford and Arthur McCowan, conspired to rob the victim. On the date of the crime, Nichlen entered the victim's apartment to ostensibly buy drugs. Upon entry, Sanford kicked the victim while McCowan attacked the victim with a knife. Following the attack, Sanford and McCowan fled while Nichlen stayed in the apartment building and called 911 from downstairs.

 

The Commonwealth requested 3 to 5 years for Assault and Battery with a Deadly Weapon and 3 years probation on and after for the remaining charges.  The defense requested 1 year and agreed to consecutive probation. 

 

Assistant District Attorney Andrew Giarolo represented the Commonwealth. North Adams Police Department investigated the crime.

 

Apart from Nichlen, Sanford pleaded guilty to the crime and several other outstanding charges. He has been sentenced to 10 to 12 years in prison. McCowan fled the morning of trial and was detained in Hampden County the week of May 8, 2023. He is currently being held in the House of Corrections.