Disgraced former Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor is facing judicial scrutiny after failing to appear for a scheduled deposition in a wrongful death civil lawsuit brought by Karen Read. The litigation, which targets the Massachusetts State Police and the Canton Police Department, stems from Proctor’s role in the investigation of the January 2022 death of John O’Keefe, Read’s boyfriend.
Judicial Reprimand for Missed Deposition
Plymouth Superior Court Judge Mark Gildea addressed the missed meeting during a recent Zoom court hearing, expressing frustration with the lack of communication between the former trooper and his legal representation. “A subpoena needs to mean something. A lawyer’s agreement needs to have some meaning. Lawyers need to communicate with their clients; clients need to keep their attorneys informed,” Judge Gildea stated.
While Gildea ordered Proctor to appear for a deposition on Tuesday, scheduling conflicts prevented the session from moving forward. Attorneys for both sides have tentatively set new dates for the proceedings on June 25 and July 14.
The civil lawsuit filed by Karen Read spans 87 pages and alleges a pattern of bias and corruption involving Michael Proctor and former Canton Police Sergeant Sean Goode, who resigned from his position last week.
Allegations of Bias and Offensive Communications
The civil suit centers on a series of text messages, recordings, and other communications between Proctor and his friend, Sean Goode. According to the complaint, these messages contained racial slurs, sexist remarks, and other offensive language directed at various groups, including Black, Asian, Jewish, Hispanic, and Arab individuals.
The lawsuit alleges that Proctor and Goode acted as “virulent bigots” with an “unrepentant hatred for women.” Specific messages cited in the legal filings include disparaging comments about a multi-vehicle accident and a reference to “punch a [n—-r] day” in Canton. In another communication, Proctor allegedly wrote that “Hitler was really on to something” before the United States intervened in World War II.
The failure to attend a deposition in such a high-profile case often creates significant procedural delays and can invite closer judicial oversight. Because Proctor was the lead investigator in a case that previously ended in a hung jury, his testimony remains a central pillar of the ongoing civil litigation, and further attempts to delay the process may be met with continued skepticism from the court.
What Happens Next
With the deposition tentatively rescheduled for late June and mid-July, the focus shifts to whether Proctor will comply with the new timeline. If the former trooper fails to appear again, it is likely that the court could consider further sanctions or more stringent orders to ensure his testimony. The legal teams are now working to synchronize their schedules to move the wrongful death suit forward, a process that remains complicated by the fallout from the evidence revealed in the suit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Michael Proctor fired?
Proctor was fired from the Massachusetts State Police following the conclusion of Karen Read’s first trial, which ended in a hung jury.
What is the nature of the lawsuit against the State Police?
The 87-page civil lawsuit alleges a “culture of bias and corruption” involving Michael Proctor and former Canton Police Sergeant Sean Goode, citing a history of offensive, racist, and sexist text messages.
What is the current status of the deposition?
After Proctor failed to appear for a Monday deposition, a judge ordered him to appear Tuesday. Due to scheduling conflicts, lawyers have now tentatively agreed to move the deposition to June 25 and July 14.
How do you believe the revelations of these private text messages will impact the broader public trust in the investigations handled by the departments involved?