Paid Administrative Leave for Canton Police Detective in Murder Trial
A Canton police detective, Kevin Albert, has been placed on paid administrative leave since June 13 due to testimony given in the Karen Read murder trial. Brian Albert, Kevin’s brother, owned the home where the body of John O’Keefe was discovered outside in the snow in January 2022. The lead investigator in the case, Michael Proctor, testified about his friendship with Kevin Albert and a night they spent drinking together.
During the trial, Alan Jackson, Read’s defense attorney, questioned Proctor about text messages exchanged between him and Kevin Albert. The text messages revealed that Proctor had found Kevin Albert’s badge in his cruiser and that Kevin had asked about his gun. It was implied that Kevin had been so drunk that he couldn’t locate his badge and had to inquire about the whereabouts of his gun the next morning.
The revelation of these text messages has raised concerns about the conduct of both Kevin Albert and Michael Proctor. In response to his involvement in the inappropriate texts, Proctor has been suspended without pay from the Massachusetts State Police. The suspension reflects the seriousness of the situation and the need for a thorough investigation into the actions of both officers.
The mistrial in Karen Read’s case adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Read was charged with hitting O’Keefe with her car and leaving him to die in a snow bank. However, due to the mistrial, the case will now be retried by the prosecution.
The incident involving Kevin Albert and Michael Proctor raises questions about their credibility as witnesses and their ability to conduct a fair and unbiased investigation. The fact that Kevin Albert has been placed on paid administrative leave suggests that the police department is taking these concerns seriously and is committed to ensuring a fair trial for all parties involved.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies. It is crucial for officers to adhere to the highest standards of conduct and to avoid any actions that could compromise the integrity of an investigation or legal proceedings.
In conclusion, the actions of Kevin Albert and Michael Proctor have had significant implications for the Karen Read murder trial. The suspension of Proctor and the paid administrative leave for Albert demonstrate the seriousness with which these issues are being addressed. Moving forward, it is essential that a thorough investigation takes place to determine the full extent of their misconduct and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
