Massachusetts Detective Disciplined Over Text Scandal

The Massachusetts State Police have disciplined Detective Lieutenant Brian Tully for failing to supervise Trooper Michael Proctor, who sent derogatory text messages regarding murder suspect Karen Read. Tully will forfeit six days of accrued leave after an internal investigation found he did not take corrective action concerning Proctor's offensive communications, which were revealed during Read's trial. Proctor's messages included misogynistic remarks and indicated a prejudgment of Read's guilt, leading to widespread criticism, including from state officials. Proctor has since been suspended without pay. Read faces charges related to the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, with her trial set to resume in January 2025 after a mistrial earlier this year. Tully's failures also included not documenting poor performance during employee evaluations, further compounding the issues within the investigative unit.