Fired trooper Michael Proctor denies framing Karen Read in police officer death case

Michael Proctor rejects corruption claims in Karen Read trial, defends investigation into Boston officer’s death.

Michael Proctor, the former Massachusetts state trooper dishonorably discharged following a misconduct investigation, has denied allegations that he acted corruptly in the Karen Read case. Speaking to NBC’s Dateline, Proctor dismissed claims that he helped frame Read as “ridiculous,” adding, “There’s not one piece of evidence or fact to support that.”

Proctor led the investigation into the 2022 death of Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, for which Read—his girlfriend—was charged with fatally striking him with her SUV while intoxicated. In her retrial, Read was acquitted of second-degree murder and manslaughter, but convicted of operating under the influence and sentenced to one year of probation. Her first trial ended in a hung jury.

Read’s defense argued that Proctor conducted a biased investigation and ignored other possible suspects, including retired Boston police sergeant Brian Albert, outside whose home O’Keefe was found. Albert and others named in the alleged cover-up called her acquittal “a devastating miscarriage of justice.”

The defense further claimed Proctor manipulated key evidence, specifically a broken taillight on Read’s vehicle, to falsely connect her to the fatal crash. Proctor denied any tampering, stating, “Absolutely not,” when asked if he altered the evidence.

He was also criticized for making disparaging remarks about Read and discussing the case with non-law enforcement individuals, including his sister. During the first trial, Proctor admitted that some of his comments “dehumanized” Read, but maintained that his actions did not compromise the investigation’s integrity.

These admissions, along with other findings, were central to the internal probe that led to his dismissal. Investigators concluded Proctor had disclosed sensitive details, made inappropriate comments, and consumed alcohol while on duty.

Although listed as a potential witness in the retrial, Proctor ultimately was not called to testify by either side.