Karen Read Retrial Special Prosecutor Paid $566K Taxpayers

Hank Brennan, the special prosecutor hired for Karen Read's second trial, was paid $566,000 for his legal work, a figure that covers over 2,200 hours billed at $250 per hour. The Norfolk County District Attorney brought Brennan in after the first trial ended in a mistrial, with jurors unable to reach a unanimous verdict. In the retrial, Read was acquitted of the most serious charges, including second-degree murder and manslaughter, but convicted of driving under the influence, for which she received probation. The high cost of the prosecution has drawn attention, especially given that the initial contract for Brennan's services was amended multiple times, increasing the maximum payout significantly. This case is noted as likely the most expensive drunk-driving conviction in Massachusetts history. Despite his disappointment with the verdict, Brennan's extensive work and compensation highlight the financial and legal complexities surrounding this high-profile case.