Who Is Michael Proctor? Corrupt Cop In Karen Read Case Who Drank Alcohol While On Duty

Michael Proctor, a Massachusetts State Police trooper, has come under intense scrutiny following revelations of misconduct during the high-profile Karen Read case.

From drinking while on duty to sending crude and biased messages, Proctor's actions have raised serious questions about police conduct and the integrity of the investigation. Here's everything you need to know about the controversial figure in the high-profile case:

Who Is Michael Proctor, and What Was His Role in the Karen Read Case?

Michael Proctor is a former homicide investigator with the Massachusetts State Police. With over a decade of service, he was assigned as the lead detective in the death investigation of Boston police officer John O'Keefe in January 2022. O'Keefe's girlfriend, Karen Read, was charged with murder, accused of striking him with her vehicle after a night of drinking.

Initially, Proctor was seen as a seasoned and capable officer. However, his name quickly became synonymous with controversy as evidence of his inappropriate behaviour surfaced during the first trial in 2024.

What Misconduct Was Michael Proctor Accused Of?

The turning point came when Proctor's own text messages were read aloud in court. He referred to Karen Read using highly offensive language, including calling her a 'whack-job c***,' and expressed hope that she would take her own life. These texts were sent while he was actively leading the investigation.

Further damaging revelations included the fact that Proctor consumed alcohol while on duty. According to internal findings, he drank beer with Canton Police Officer Kevin Albert before driving a state-issued vehicle. Additionally, he shared confidential case details with friends and family members, breaching professional protocol.

These actions were not only unethical but also undermined the credibility of the entire investigation.

Why Was Michael Proctor Suspended and Later Dismissed?

Following a mistrial in July 2024, Proctor was suspended without pay. In March 2025, the Massachusetts State Police officially dismissed him after a three-day internal hearing. He was found to have violated departmental policies, including the prohibition of alcohol consumption while on duty, and was deemed to have failed in his professional duties. As reported by NBC News, Proctor was fired after an internal affairs investigation found that he drank alcohol while on duty and sent crude messages about the suspect during the active homicide investigation.

Police Commissioner Colonel Geoffrey Noble stated that Proctor's dismissal was necessary to restore public trust in the force. Proctor's family has since claimed that he is being scapegoated despite over 12 years of clean service.

He is currently appealing the dismissal through the state's Civil Service Commission.

How Did Proctor's Behaviour Affect the Karen Read Trial?

Proctor's behaviour played a significant role in the outcome of the trial. Karen Read's defence team used his text messages and alcohol violations to argue that the investigation was deeply biased from the start. They claimed that evidence had been mishandled and that Read was unfairly targeted.

In June 2025, Karen Read was acquitted of second-degree murder but found guilty of drink-driving. The role of Proctor in the case was highlighted in both courtroom arguments and media coverage as a key reason for the jury's doubts.

How Did the Public and Media Respond to the Controversy?

The public reaction to Proctor's conduct has been sharply divided. Some view him as a rogue officer whose actions damaged the case, especially following the jury's audible shock at his derogatory texts. Meanwhile, others argue he is being unfairly targeted, with supporters describing him as 'defamed' and 'maligned.' His recent appearance in an ABC 20/20 interview, where he denied any wrongdoing, only intensified the backlash.

In the UK, the case has attracted attention as an example of potential police corruption and the importance of investigator accountability.

What Does the Michael Proctor Case Say About Police Accountability?

Michael Proctor's fall from grace illustrates how individual misconduct can compromise an entire criminal case. As legal proceedings continue and appeals are heard, the legacy of the Karen Read trial remains closely tied to the actions of the man once trusted to deliver justice.

The case has sparked broader conversations about transparency, investigator bias, and how law enforcement is held accountable. Proctor's actions may have changed the course of the Karen Read case, but they have also left a lasting mark on public confidence in the justice system.