Acquitted Woman Sues Massachusetts Police Over Alleged Misconduct

Karen Read’s Legal Battle

Karen Read, recently acquitted in the high-profile case involving the death of her police officer boyfriend, has initiated legal proceedings against Massachusetts State Police and the town of Canton. She alleges misconduct and negligence in the investigation that led to her prosecution. Speaking on “TODAY,” Read outlined her continued pursuit of justice, emphasizing, “This was always our plan, that I had to save my own life first. I have to continue fighting for justice. The acquittal is deserved, but the wrongs have not been completely righted.”

Accompanied by her attorneys, Read voiced that she anticipated this step if she received the necessary legal assistance. Her lawsuit centers on allegations against two agencies—State Police and Canton Police Department—describing a culture of bigotry, misogyny, systemic failures, and institutional decay.

Details of the Lawsuit and Responses

This lawsuit follows Read’s acquittal of second-degree murder, motor vehicle manslaughter while driving under the influence, and leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death. She was only convicted of operating under the influence of liquor. Her first trial concluded with a hung jury, and less than a year later, she was acquitted in her second trial.

Attorney Alan Jackson, representing Read, explains the lawsuit’s aim to shed light on the alleged institutional corruption within Massachusetts law enforcement. According to Jackson, the focus is on exposure rather than financial compensation.

Canton officials countered Read’s claims, stating they reject “broad stroke characterizations” about their police force. The town cited efforts to implement recommendations from an audit critical of the case’s handling. Massachusetts State Police Superintendent Col. Geoffrey Noble condemned derogatory messages highlighted in Read’s lawsuit, asserting they do not reflect the department’s values.

Prosecution’s Allegations and Read’s Defense

John O’Keefe, the deceased officer, was found in front of another officer’s home in January 2022. Prosecutors claimed that Read reversed her SUV into O’Keefe in a fit of intoxicated anger concerning their relationship struggles, leaving him to die. Read denied these charges.

Despite no video or eyewitness accounts, the prosecution relied on vehicle data and expert testimonies to substantiate their argument. Read’s legal team, however, attributed O’Keefe’s death to a group cover-up, pointing fingers at Brian Albert, a retired police sergeant, and others accused of framing Read.

The legal battle continues, with Albert and others striking back with a defamation suit against Read. They labeled these accusations as baseless and defamatory.

Allegations Against Investigators

Read’s attorneys also criticized the former state trooper who managed the investigation, accusing him of bias. In court, text messages were presented revealing derogatory remarks about Read by the trooper, Michael Proctor, who also shared case details improperly. Proctor admitted to making unprofessional comments but denied investigative bias. He was later dishonorably discharged and did not testify in the second trial.

Read’s Resolve

Since the trials, Read has not resumed work, channeling her efforts into her legal case. She remains committed to securing justice for O’Keefe, whom she remembers as “very easy going and kind of shy.” Despite desiring closure, Read persists in her fight, stating, “He’s not lost; he’s the reason we are doing this.”