Former Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor is appealing his firing for misconduct related to the Karen Read murder case. Proctor was dismissed from the Massachusetts State Police in March for unsatisfactory performance, which included sending inappropriate text messages and drinking on the job during an investigation. The Civil Service Commission is reviewing Proctor's appeal, which challenges the disciplinary actions taken against him. Proctor called Read things like a 'whack job' and other derogatory words. He also talked about her medical issues and wrote, 'No nudes so far,' while going through her phone. Proctor was assigned to investigate the death of Read's Boston police officer boyfriend, John O'Keefe. He was relieved of his duty without pay in 2024 after a mistrial was declared in Read's first murder trial and was then fired from the Norfolk District Attorney's Office followed soon thereafter. Read was acquitted of murder and manslaughter in O'Keefe's death in June 2025. Proctor wasn't called to testify in the second trial.