Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor has been suspended without pay following a misconduct hearing on Monday. Proctor, who gained notoriety for his crude texts during a murder trial, was relieved of duty last week after the trial resulted in a mistrial. The trooper had previously faced scrutiny for derogatory remarks about the defendant, Read, including offensive language and jokes about her health condition.
During the hearing, Proctor acknowledged the unprofessional nature of his comments and expressed regret for his choice of words. However, he maintained that his remarks had no bearing on the facts, evidence, or integrity of the investigation. State Police transferred Proctor out of the detective unit assigned to the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office, where Read’s case was prosecuted, and reassigned him to the field services division of Troop H. It should be noted that Proctor is currently unable to perform his duties as a trooper.
An ongoing internal affairs investigation is examining Proctor’s conduct, and the hearing aimed to determine whether he should remain on duty or face suspension. A board of three officers recommended Proctor’s suspension without pay, a recommendation that was accepted by Col. John Mawn Jr., resulting in Proctor’s immediate suspension.
Read, the defendant in the murder trial, is accused of intentionally backing her SUV into her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, after a night of drinking in January 2022. Her defense team has alleged a vast cover-up involving witnesses and law enforcement, attempting to implicate Proctor in their theory.
Proctor’s lawyer did not provide an immediate comment following the hearing. The investigation into Proctor’s misconduct continues, while Read’s trial remains unresolved.
