Man Gets 6-8 Years After Admitting to Shooting at Peabody Home

Beverly resident Christopher Sherry has admitted to into a West Peabody home last year and earlier this week received a state prison sentence of six to eight years.

Authorities said Sherry, 41, one of two men to face charges in the case, fired the rifle 14 times at the home on the morning of Feb. 16, 2011 after he had tried to collect on a debt owed to his boss, Anthony "Tony the Fruit Guy" Polsonetti, 53, a Gloucester loan shark.

Sherry was commissioned by Polsonetti to collect a $3,000 debt with 60 percent interest from Michael Aresco, who lived at 611 Lowell St., and was in fact initially duped by Aresco into thinking he had the wrong person the day before. Sherry discovered the ruse and returned early the next morning, opening fire at the home.

The Salem News reports Sherry pleaded guilty on Monday in Salem Superior Court to attempted murder, conspiracy and extortion. Polsonetti is due back in court June 20 on the same charges, in addition to drug trafficking (opium and oxycodone), loan sharking and intent to procure another to commit perjury.

Prosecutors said Polsonetti allegedly ran a loan sharking operation to supplement his fruit business at the Chelsea Produce Market, reports the Salem News.