The 11 members of the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association elected Berkshire DA David Capeless as their president Wednesday. The Democrat says his top priority will be combating opioid abuse.Capeless takes over for Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Conley. The association recently came out in support of Governor Charlie Baker’s proposed legislation capping first-time opioid prescriptions at a three-day supply and allowing medical professionals to commit substance abusers to treatment for 72 hours if they pose a danger to themselves or others. Capeless has been outspoken about the need to change prescribing practices.
“Doctors still want to go about doing things the way they are doing it and unfortunately we’ve learned we can’t do that,” said Capeless.
A 33-year prosecutor, Capeless has been Berkshire County’s district attorney since 2004.
