Federal Grand Juror Pleads Guilty to Leaking Karen Read Case Information

Jessica Leslie, a 34-year-old Dracut woman, appeared in federal court after being charged with leaking confidential information from a federal grand jury investigating the Karen Read case. Prosecutors allege that between August 2022 and March 2024, Leslie disclosed names of witnesses, their testimony, and other sealed evidence to unauthorized individuals. She has agreed to plead guilty to one count of criminal contempt, with a plea agreement recommending one day in jail (deemed served), two years of supervised release, and no fine. The full context and impact of the leak remain unclear, as federal officials have not publicly detailed which cases were affected, though sources connect her actions to the high-profile Read investigation. Karen Read was acquitted of major charges in June after her legal team raised concerns about law enforcement conduct, prompting the federal grand jury investigation Leslie served on. Leslie's sentencing is contingent on court approval of the plea deal and will include probation and mental health conditions.