Karen Read sues Massachusetts State Police and Canton Police, alleging that authorities knew or should have known about a cache of racist, sexist, and violent text messages exchanged between two former officers.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court, centers on text messages from 2013 between former Trooper Michael Proctor and former Sergeant Sean Goode. The messages, which were obtained during an unrelated criminal investigation, contain racial slurs, sexist comments, and derogatory remarks about public officials and crime victims.
Proctor was fired by State Police in March 2025; Goode resigned from Canton Police in April 2025 amid an internal investigation.
Key Allegations in the Lawsuit
The lawsuit claims the departments failed to properly supervise or discipline the officers, allowing a pattern of misconduct to continue unchecked. The messages were obtained during the prosecution of Myles King in Dedham, where Proctor was the lead investigator. His personal phone was preserved and searched during that case. Karen Read's attorneys intervened to lift a protective order on the phone, allowing the messages to be used in this litigation.
The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and damages to be determined at trial.
Disturbing Text Message Excerpts
"Actually, take your time, I saw a [n----r] was involved, so I wouldn't rush if you're working. Let them die."
— Proctor to Goode, regarding a crash involving a Black person.
"It should be 'punch a [n----r] day' in canton today out of retribution. Any shine u see blast it in the face."
— Proctor
"America sucks …. Hitler was really on to something then the [f-----g] US has to step in and ruin it."
— Proctor
Goode referred to Boston Mayor Michelle Wu as "little [c—t]," said Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey can "suck my [d--k]," and made derogatory statements about Jews. He also used racial slurs against Black and Asian people.
Proctor and Goode repeatedly discussed performing sexual acts on women without consent, referred to women as "pigs," and Proctor wrote he needed "a roofie or something" to find a sexual partner.
Goode wrote about Sandra Birchmore: "[t]hat chick was borderline [r------d]."
Official Responses
Massachusetts State Police Col. Geoffrey Noble: "These disturbing messages are entirely inconsistent with any basic standard of decency and certainly with the expectations of a Massachusetts State Trooper. These racist, sexist and abhorrent comments absolutely do not reflect the values of the Massachusetts State Police and are not tolerated within our ranks. They underscore and fully support my decision to terminate Michael Proctor."
Town of Canton statement: The town refutes "any broad stroke characterizations about the brave and dedicated men and women who serve" in the Canton Police Department.
The Norfolk County District Attorney's office declined to comment.
Background on Related Cases
Karen Read was previously tried for the death of John O'Keefe; Proctor was the lead investigator. During her first trial, offensive messages about Read were revealed. Her retrial ended in a mistrial; a third trial is scheduled for 2026.
Sandra Birchmore was found dead in her Canton apartment; former Stoughton officer Matthew Farwell is charged with her murder and awaits federal trial.