Investigator Resigns Amid Controversy Over Text Message

The lead investigator in the Karen Reed case has stepped down after sending a vulgar text regarding her and wasn’t amused by the idea that he might have assisted in orchestrating a scheme against financial analysts.

Michael Proctor responded to allegations during an interview on ABC’s 20/20, saying, “That’s definitely not true. I’m laughing because it’s such a ridiculous claim. It’s something I’d never do, and I have no evidence of it.”

Proctor maintained that he was part of a “loud minority” who felt Reed had cheated, despite having referred to her in derogatory terms.

He defiantly expressed in a Wednesday interview, complete with his Boston accent, “A quiet majority supported us. They just haven’t tweeted about it.”

On Wednesday afternoon, Reed was acquitted of murder and manslaughter, although she was found guilty of drunk driving and has been placed on probation for a year.

The investigation has come under sharp scrutiny, with some questioning if the focus on Reed was part of a larger cover-up.

Proctor offered only slight revisions he might have made in hindsight. “This entire saga, it turned into a dramatic intrigue, perhaps we could have diverted attention by investigating other vehicles,” he speculated during the interview.

When pressed about possible witnesses, he suggested, “Maybe we could have interviewed them sooner, but overall, I wouldn’t change anything because my team and I approached this case just like we always do.”

Proctor testified during the first trial and faced harsh criticism due to an inappropriate message sent. He was dismissed from his position between the first and second trials and did not participate in the latter.

During the 20/20 segment, he characterized the offensive message as “regretful,” asserting that it did not indicate any wrongdoing on the part of the investigation.

He discussed how investigations sometimes involve police officers who may say something out of line in the heat of the moment.

Proctor claimed that a text in which he expressed a desire to harm himself was merely a joke. “That’s just how conversations can go,” he remarked, mentioning that he felt animosity toward Reed as the case unfolded.

In an emotional revelation, Proctor described his shock at being removed from the service, leading to his dishonorable discharge. “I’m not aware of any troopers facing repercussions for personal messages sent on private phones, let alone being fired,” he added.