District Attorney Reveals Identity of Hancock Man Killed by State Police

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HANCOCK, Mass. — The District Attorney's Office identified Phillip Henault as the man shot and killed by a State Police officer responding to a domestic incident. 
 
The identity of the single State Police officer involved has not been made public.
 
According to State Police, and a statement from the Berkshire District Attorney's Office, the officer was called to a Hancock residence about 7 a.m. on Sept. 9 and was confronted by Henault, age 64, who was armed.
 
The preliminary investigation involving crime scene analysis, civilian interviews, body and dash camera footage and 911 recordings corroborate that the Massachusetts State Police officer retreated a significant distance from Henault.
 
According to the district attorney's office, the preliminary investigation shows Henault had multiple knives with him at the time of the incident. Upon retreat, the officer identified themself as a police officer and told Henault to stop.  Henault failed to stop and threatened to kill the officer. Henault continued to approach and after the officer retreated a lengthy distance, the officer discharged their weapon.
 
The investigation is ongoing. District Attorney Shugrue will issue a final report when it is completed.
 
Hancock does not have a police force and is covered by the State Police.
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Ten Arrested in Berkshire County Child Exploitation Sting

PITTSFIELD, MASS — Ten have been arrested on charges related to child exploitation following a two-week operation in Berkshire County.

The Berkshire State Police Detective Unit, assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office, and the Berkshire County Law Enforcement Task Force conducted the operation. According to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office, the operation involved law enforcement officers posing as 14 and 15-year-old girls on various online platforms.

The individuals allegedly communicated with these online personas and traveled to pre-arranged locations within Berkshire County, intending to exchange money for sexual activity with individuals under the age of 16, according to authorities.

"The utilization of grant funding and the dedicated work of our Law Enforcement Task Force allowed us to apprehend those looking to abuse our most vulnerable population, children. I want to especially thank the North Adams Police Department and Chief Bailey for their commitment to this operation," stated District Attorney Shugrue, "I also would like to recognize and thank Governor Healey in awarding grant funds that allowed our office to conduct investigations into human trafficking in our county. Sex trafficking is far more prevalent than most people realize. Through the Governor's support, we are able to devote resources to disrupt and apprehend criminals looking to exploit victims of human trafficking."

The following individuals have been arraigned in either Central Berkshire District Court or Great Barrington District Court:

Sydney Brodrick, 21 of Pittsfield, arraigned on April 1, 2025, faces the following charges:

  • Possession of Obscene Material
  • Distribution of Obscene Material

Brodrick is being held pending evaluation.


Ted Crosby, 56 of Pittsfield, was arraigned on April 7, 2025, and charged with:

  • Sexual Conduct for a Fee
  • Enticing a Child Under 16
  • Attempt to Commit a Crime
  • Pose/Exhibit a Child in a Sexual Act

Bail was set at $5,000.


Roger Prell, 67 of Pittsfield, was arraigned on April 10, 2025, and charged with:

  • Pay for Sexual Conduct with a Child Under 18
  • Obscene Matter to a Minor
  • Entice Child Under 16
  • Attempt to Commit a Crime

Prell was released on personal recognizance.


Dana Brookman, 31 of Pittsfield, was arraigned on April 14, 2025, and charged with:

  • Entice Child Under 16
  • Obscene Matter to a Minor
  • Attempt to Commit a Crime

Bail was set at $7,000.


Eduardo/Kevin Miranda Hernandez was arraigned on April 14, 2025, and charged with:

  • Enticement of a Child Under 16
  • Attempt to Commit a Crime
  • Procure Liquor for a Person Under 21
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