Judge clears supporter of Karen Read of intimidation charges

In a case that has attracted significant public attention, a Massachusetts judge dismissed felony witness intimidation and criminal harassment charges against Richard Schiffer Jr., a supporter of Karen Read, on December 9, 2024. Schiffer had openly admitted to placing yellow rubber ducks and fake $100 bills around town as a form of political expression supporting Read, who was accused of murdering her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe. The charges stemmed from arguments that Schiffer's actions were intended to influence witnesses in the ongoing murder case against Read. Schiffer's legal team argued that his actions were protected by the First Amendment, maintaining that he was exercising his rights to express his beliefs regarding the legal proceedings involving Read. Schiffer's attorney, Timothy Bradl, highlighted that there was no substantial basis for the witness intimidation or harassment allegations against Schiffer. This argument resonated with the presiding judge, who ruled that Schiffer's speech and actions did not constitute criminal behavior. The judge noted that while the expression might be seen as immature, it fell within the protections granted by the First Amendment. The broader context of this case reveals a polarized saga surrounding the alleged murder of O'Keefe. Schiffer and others have claimed that Read is a victim of a conspiracy, contending that law enforcement officials concentrated their investigations on her rather than considering other officers who might have been involved in the circumstances leading to O'Keefe's death. Supporters of Read have staged protests and public demonstrations, seeking to raise awareness about what they perceive as a miscarriage of justice. As a result of the judge's ruling in favor of Schiffer and the ongoing legal drama surrounding Read, this case continues to evoke strong emotions in the local community and beyond. The legal skirmishes will likely persist, especially with Read’s retrial scheduled for April. The outcome of her case, which has already seen a mistrial due to a deadlocked jury, remains uncertain amid accusations of a broader cover-up involving law enforcement. The community stays divided, as these proceedings illuminate tensions not only about the specific charges against Read but also the workings of the justice system itself.