Canton Officer on Leave Amid Read Case Scandal

Canton police officer Kevin Albert has been placed on paid administrative leave as of June 13, 2023, amid an investigation related to his conduct during the Karen Read murder case. Albert, whose brother Brian hosted the party where John O'Keefe's body was found, was involved in coordinating witness interviews despite the Canton Police Department recusing itself from the case. The leave follows testimony from lead investigator Michael Proctor, who admitted to being friends with Albert and sending offensive texts about Read. Proctor has also been suspended without pay. The case against Read, accused of killing O'Keefe, ended in a mistrial on July 1, 2023. An independent investigation continues to determine Albert's fate.