BOSTON (AP) — A lawsuit has been initiated by Karen Read against the Massachusetts State Police and the town of Canton, citing misconduct and negligence in the handling of her prosecution following the death of her boyfriend, a Boston police officer.
Filed in Bristol County Superior Court, the lawsuit claims Read’s acquittal last June highlighted deep-rooted issues within both the state police and the Canton police department. It accuses these entities of negligence in officer management and seeks compensation for legal expenses, emotional distress, and other damages.
The complaint includes various communications involving former state trooper Michael Proctor and ex-Canton police Sgt. Sean Goode. Notably, it reveals messages where Proctor referred to Read disparagingly and expressed harmful wishes towards her. The lawsuit also notes inappropriate language and one instance of a remark about Hitler, illustrating concerns about the officers’ suitability for the investigation.
Read’s legal team asserts that these communications expose a broader failure in the oversight of local and state law enforcement, suggesting both men were not fit for their investigative roles.
State Police Superintendent Col. Geoffrey Noble, in response to the lawsuit, labeled Proctor’s messages as “racist, sexist and abhorrent,” supporting the decision for Proctor’s dismissal. Noble emphasized that these messages do not align with the department’s values and mentioned subsequent reforms since his appointment.
“These disturbing messages are entirely inconsistent with any basic standard of decency and certainly with the expectations of a Massachusetts State Trooper,” Noble stated, acknowledging the impact of such misconduct on public trust.
The town of Canton, having learned about the lawsuit via media, expressed confidence in Police Chief Michael Daniels and disputed the lawsuit’s portrayal of its officers. It highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize the police department following an external audit.
Attorney Matt Hamel, representing Proctor, commented to NBC10 Boston that focusing on Proctor’s past actions instead of Read’s conduct is “telling and predictable.” He argued that Proctor’s personal actions, predating Officer O’Keefe’s death, had no influence on the investigation concerning Read.
About a year ago, Read was acquitted after enduring two trials over the death of Officer John O’Keefe, found deceased on a colleague’s lawn following an evening of drinking during a snowstorm.
Prosecutors alleged Read struck O’Keefe with her SUV, abandoning him in harsh weather conditions, which led to her facing several charges, including second-degree murder. She was acquitted of these charges, although convicted on a lesser charge of driving under the influence.
Read’s defense successfully argued for her innocence, alleging police misconduct and suggesting that O’Keefe’s death was the result of a cover-up by his colleagues.
Much of the trial scrutiny was directed at lead investigator Michael Proctor, whom the defense portrayed as biased. The Massachusetts State Police trial board found him guilty of sending objectionable messages about Read, leading to his termination and making him a focal point for those critical of the investigation.
Sgt. Goode, who was placed on leave in November 2025 due to misconduct allegations, recently resigned.
