Trooper Michael Proctor, lead investigator in the Karen Read case, suspended without pay

FRAMINGHAM – Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor, the lead investigator in the case against Karen Read, was suspended without pay following a duty hearing on Monday.

Proctors Service status The hearing took place virtually on Monday at the Massachusetts State Police headquarters in Framingham.

The experienced soldier was relieved of duty Just hours after Read’s trial ended last week with a JuryHe was transferred from the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office Criminal Unit to a field unit in South Boston.

Police officer Michael Proctor suspended

John Mawn, colonel of the Massachusetts State Police, accepted the panel’s recommended suspension of Proctor on Monday, which will take effect immediately. The duration of the suspension was not initially announced.

Proctor is still not authorized to perform the duties of a state trooper.

An internal investigation into Proctor’s conduct is currently underway. This investigation will culminate in a report that will determine each allegation as unsubstantiated, exonerated, not sustained, or sustained.

Michael Proctor’s text messages about Karen Read

During the trial, Proctor admitted on the witness stand that he had used inappropriate and offensive Text messages Read it to your family and friends.

In one message, Proctor called Read a “nutcase (swear word)” and in another he said “I hope she kills herself.”

Proctor has been with the state police for about 10 years.

Protest in front of the state police barracks

A group of Read’s supporters protested outside the state police barracks where Proctor had been transferred, hours after Proctor was suspended on Monday.

“That’s not enough, he must be fired,” Eileen Keough said. “His behavior is disgraceful. He is not protecting or serving.”

“I don’t think he should have a job at all,” Kurt Maxon said. “I think he should have been fired. His behavior is disgusting, it’s a disgrace to the police, it’s a disgrace to women.”

What will happen to Michael Proctor?

Proctor could not be fired during Monday’s hearing. He could eventually lose his job, but the duty status hearing was one of the first steps in that process.

Instead, the hearing could have ended with one of four outcomes.

• He could have gotten his job back.
• He could have been suspended while retaining his salary.
• He could have been suspended without pay.
• He could have been given limited duties.

Response of the Massachusetts State Police

Last week, Mawn spoke about Proctor’s behaviorHowever, he said the department was limited in its ability to discipline him because of its collective bargaining agreement with the union.

“I think I’ve been very clear and I want to continue to do so. Misconduct by the Massachusetts State Police in any form will not be tolerated,” Mawn said. “I think I’ve said that I condemn (Proctor’s) comments in the strongest possible terms. They do not reflect the Massachusetts State Police. That is not what we want as an organization. I think we will certainly continue to monitor that as our internal investigation progresses.”

What Karen Read’s lawyer said about Michael Proctor

Alan Jackson, one of Read’s lead lawyers, issued a statement after Proctor was relieved of his duties.

“Behavior has consequences. DA Morrissey supported this misogynistic, corrupt cop. And two hours after announcing he would seek a second trial of an innocent woman, Karen Read, the MSP announced that Michael Proctor – the Commonwealth’s lead investigator – had been relieved of his duties for ‘serious misconduct that came to light during testimony at trial,'” Jackson said. “We look forward to another opportunity to uncover the truth about this unjustified prosecution. Good luck.”