Fired Investigator’s Appeal Continues at Civil Service Commission

BOSTON - Michael Proctor, the former Massachusetts State Police trooper who led the investigation into the death of Boston police officer John O’Keefe, returned to the Massachusetts Civil Service Commission on Wednesday as he seeks to regain his position following his March termination. Proctor’s appeal, now in its second day of hearings, centers on allegations that his firing was rushed and politically motivated.

During Wednesday’s session, Proctor’s attorney, Daniel Moynihan, argued that internal affairs investigators had predetermined the decision to dismiss Proctor before completing their inquiry, pointing to a draft recommendation prepared prior to interviewing his client. Moynihan contended that Proctor was made a “scapegoat” in response to intense media scrutiny and that there was no explicit policy prohibiting the use of personal cellphones for private communications.

Detective Lieutenant Kevin Dwyer, who oversaw the internal affairs investigation, was the sole witness called by the State Police over the first two days. Under cross-examination, Dwyer denied that the investigation was unduly expedited despite acknowledging that the case had been prioritized due to “heavy media attention” surrounding the Karen Read trials. He maintained that Proctor’s termination was based solely on findings that he had sent derogatory text messages about Read, disclosed confidential information to non-law enforcement individuals, and consumed alcohol while on duty.

State Police lawyer Stephen Carley countered that Proctor’s conduct was “unprofessional, inappropriate, juvenile, sexist, disgusting, and dehumanizing,” emphasizing that these actions merited dismissal regardless of the communication medium. Carley highlighted text messages in which Proctor referred to Read in derogatory terms, including one in which he wrote, “Hopefully she kills herself,” and another noting, “No nudes so far,” while reviewing Read’s phone during the initial investigation.

Proceedings are paused until October 21, when Proctor’s legal team will present its evidence. The commission’s decision will determine whether Proctor is reinstated or whether the State Police’s disciplinary action stands.