Brookfield Man’s Criminal Trial Postponed After Defendant Fails to Appear

A jury trial scheduled Monday in East Brookfield District Court involving Brookfield resident John D. Holdcraft was postponed after the defendant failed to appear, with his attorney informing the court that Holdcraft had been hospitalized that morning.

Charges Filed

Holdcraft is charged with:

• Criminal harassment, a misdemeanor under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265, Section 43A(a), which court records classify as carrying potential incarceration of more than 100 days; and
• Witness intimidation, a felony under Chapter 268, Section 13B, formally listed as intimidation of a witness, juror, police officer, or court official. 

The charges stem from allegations involving former Select Board Chair Bradford J. Kadelski.

Courtroom Proceedings

When the case was called, Holdcraft was not present in the courtroom.

His defense attorney informed the court that Holdcraft, described as a 70-year-old man, was experiencing breathing difficulties and had gone to Harrington Hospital earlier that morning.

The judge asked whether documentation could be provided to confirm the hospitalization. Defense counsel stated that he did not have documentation at that time, referencing medical privacy concerns, but indicated that Holdcraft was at the hospital.

Defense counsel also informed the court that a defense witness, Richard Chaffee, was unavailable due to a medical condition described as shingles.

The judge then asked the Commonwealth whether it was prepared to proceed. The Commonwealth responded that it was ready for trial.

The court noted that jurors had already been summoned and were present for the scheduled trial. Approximately 20 jurors had appeared for jury duty and were subsequently dismissed following the delay.

The judge stated that the case would be held for a second call and requested documentation confirming Holdcraft’s hospitalization.

According to court staff, documentation was later provided following the hearing, and the case has been rescheduled for a jury trial on June 17.

After the court indicated the matter would be held for a second call, the prosecutor asked whether witnesses could be excused.

The judge allowed the request.

At that point, several individuals present for the case—including Brookfield Police Chief Michael Blanchard, Kadelski, and other residents—left the courtroom.

Background of the Charges

According to court documents, testimony, and video evidence referenced in the case, the charges arise from a series of interactions between Holdcraft and former Select Board Chair Bradford J. Kadelski.

At an October 2024 Select Board meeting, Holdcraft is alleged to have tossed a pair of women’s underwear toward Kadelski, with the item landing on Kadelski’s desk. The incident was captured on video.

The underwear appeared to have a brown stain. In prior sworn testimony referenced in the matter, Holdcraft acknowledged that the underwear may have come from materials obtained during a property clean-out, which is consistent with his business performing junk removal and clean-out services.

Kadelski has further alleged that Holdcraft engaged in repeated conduct directed toward him, including a late-night phone call in which Holdcraft allegedly asked what color woman’s underwear he was wearing.

According to court filings, Kadelski subsequently sought a harassment prevention order at East Brookfield District Court.

Video from Town Hall referenced in the case shows Holdcraft inside the building prior to a meeting, pacing in the front lobby area, repeatedly entering and exiting the building, and looking out toward the entrance.

The video then shows Kadelski arriving at Town Hall, at which point Holdcraft is seen following him from the front entrance area into the meeting space.

According to testimony cited in court documents, Holdcraft made derogatory remarks toward Kadelski during this interaction, including statements referencing Kadelski’s decision to seek a court order.

These allegations form part of the basis for the witness intimidation charge.

Holdcraft has publicly denied wrongdoing and has stated in prior media interviews that his actions are protected under the First Amendment. The Brookfield Examiner was unable to reach Holdcraft for comment prior to publication.

Procedural History

Court records show the case has been ongoing since February 2025, when a criminal complaint was issued. Holdcraft later entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. 

In August 2025, a motion by the defense to dismiss the case was denied by the court. 

A previously scheduled jury trial in December 2025 was rescheduled at the request of the defendant. 

Monday’s trial date was marked in court records as rescheduled due to illness, with a note indicating the defendant was taken to the hospital. 

Related Civil Matter and Prior Absences

Holdcraft is also named as a defendant in a separate civil case, Fromm v. Holdcraft, involving allegations of defamation and related claims.

According to filings in that case, Holdcraft previously failed to appear for a scheduled deposition despite a court order compelling his attendance. Court records indicate that motions to compel the deposition were filed and allowed, with the court ordering that Holdcraft appear. 

On the morning of that compelled deposition, Holdcraft’s attorney notified opposing counsel that Holdcraft was either at the hospital or on the way to the hospital and would not be able to attend.

According to information provided in that matter, individuals involved in the deposition—including counsel, a stenographer, a videographer, and a notary public—were already present or en route at the time the cancellation was communicated.

Public records indicate that Holdcraft had attended a town meeting the evening prior to that scheduled deposition.

In Monday’s criminal proceeding, Holdcraft was again absent when his case was called for trial, with his attorney stating he had gone to the hospital that morning.

No findings have been made by the court regarding the reasons for Holdcraft’s absences.

What Comes Next

The case is scheduled to return to East Brookfield District Court for jury trial on June 17.

The Commonwealth indicated in court that it was prepared to proceed with trial on Monday.