The Massachusetts State Police Terminate Trooper Michael Proctor
BOSTON (WWLP) – The Massachusetts State Police announced Wednesday morning that Michael Proctor has been fired from his position.
Proctor was the lead investigator in the Karen Read murder case. Read was charged with murder in the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, in January of 2022. He faced allegations of misconduct and criticism for his highly offensive text messages about Read. Proctor’s initial suspension, which was without pay, came after Read’s mistrial was declared last July.
On Wednesday, the Trial Board found Proctor guilty of unsatisfactory performance and alcoholic beverage charges.
“Our mission to deliver the highest level of police services depends on the public’s trust in our professionalism and integrity. It is incumbent upon me, as well as every member of this Department, to hold one another accountable when any member compromises our mission by failing to uphold our values.
“As Superintendent, my role demands that I do what is in the best interest of the Department. My decision to terminate Mr. Proctor follows a thorough, fair, and impartial process. I have weighed the nature of the offenses, their impact on our investigative integrity, and the importance of safeguarding the reputations of our dedicated women and men in the State Police. This decision reflects our unwavering commitment to upholding our values, enhancing public trust and ensuring the highest standards of service and accountability.
“Finally, recognizing the ways in which this process has affected the family of Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, I would also like to renew our condolences to them.”