State police investigator suspended in Karen Read case

BOSTON (WWLP) – A status hearing was held Monday for Michael Proctor of the Massachusetts State Police, who was the lead investigator in the Karen Read case.

After weeks of testimony, a mistrial was declared in the murder trial of Karen Read, who was charged with the murder of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, in January 2022.

After the trial concluded, Proctor was relieved of duty following an internal investigation into possible serious misconduct during the investigation into Read’s case. During the investigation, Proctor sent vulgar text messages about her to his family, friends, and fellow officers. He was relieved of duty on July 1 and transferred from the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office effective July 7.

As part of MSP’s disciplinary proceedings, a hearing was held regarding his duty status to determine whether he would continue to perform full duty, be placed on restricted duty, or be suspended with or without pay.

Massachusetts State Police spokesman Tim McGuirk announced Monday that Proctor is being suspended without pay on the recommendation of the three-member panel. The internal investigation is ongoing to resolve any allegations in which the department could pursue charges that would be decided by a State Police Trial Board.