Karen Read has filed an 87-page civil lawsuit in Bristol Superior Court against the Town of Canton and the Massachusetts State Police, alleging "an imbedded culture of bigotry, misogyny, systemic failures, and institutional rot at the very core of both organizations." The lawsuit details hundreds of 'vile, misogynistic and racist texts' allegedly sent by the case's former lead investigator, ex-Trooper Michael Proctor, and former Canton Police Sgt. Sean Goode. Read, who was acquitted of murder and manslaughter charges in the death of her boyfriend John O'Keefe, claims these officers 'framed' her. Court documents include messages where Goode allegedly wrote, "[S]he's a jew…so def puts out," and Proctor allegedly referred to Read as a "retarded," "whack job c---," with "no a--." Read's attorneys stated that Proctor and Goode are "emblematic of the failure to responsibly exercise the trust and faith the public puts in these institutions." Goode resigned from the Canton Police Department following an investigation into alleged misconduct, and Proctor was fired from the state police after his text messages were read in Read's first trial.
What Happens Next
01The court will review the civil complaint.
02The named police departments and officers will likely respond to the lawsuit.
03The content of the texts may become evidence in related legal proceedings.
04Further details of the alleged misconduct may emerge during the lawsuit's discovery process.
