Trooper Proctor, lead investigator in Karen Read murder case, relieved of duty

DEDHAM, Mass. — Massachusetts State Police relieved Trooper Michael Proctor of his duty following a mistrial in the Karen Read case.

“Upon learning today’s result, the Department took immediate action to relieve Trooper Michael Proctor of duty and formally transfer him out of the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office State Police Detective’s Unit,” State Police Colonel John Mawn said in a statement. “This follows our previous decision to open an internal affairs investigation after information about serious misconduct emerged in testimony at the trial.”

Boston 25 has learned that Trooper Proctor’s last day with the Norfolk County District Attorney’s office will be on July 7. The reason for this is due to a collective bargaining agreement that requires five days of notice for any changes in assignment.

Trooper Proctor, the lead investigator in the death of John O’Keefe and Karen Read murder case, came under fire for a series of disparaging texts he sent regarding Read, which he read aloud in court. Proctor admitted on the stand that these texts were “unprofessional.”

When asked by reporters about his testimony, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey said it was “terrible” and that it harmed the integrity of law enforcement.

An internal affairs investigation into Trooper Proctor’s alleged misconduct is ongoing, according to Mawn.

Proctor will face a duty status hearing where officials will determine how to proceed with his employment.

Although he is still employed by the department, he can no longer work cases or function as a trooper during this time, according to authorities.

“Our focus remains on delivering the highest level of police services with professionalism and integrity,” Mawn added.

In a statement, Karen Read’s Attorney Alan Jackson, called Proctor a “misogynist corrupt cop.”

“Regarding Trooper Michael Proctor being relieved of duty, conduct has consequences. DA Morrissey backed this misogynist corrupt cop, and 2 hours after he announced he will pursue a second trial against an innocent woman Karen Read, The Massachusetts State Police announced that Michael Proctor the lead investigator for the Commonwealth has been relieved of duty ‘because of serious misconduct that emerged in testimony at the trial’. We look forward to another opportunity to reveal the truth about this unjust prosecution. Good Luck.“

Read Mawn’s full statement below:

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