Karen Read due back in court after controversy surrounding defense attorney

DEDHAM, Mass. (WLNE) — Karen Read is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday to continue her hearing ahead of her second trial.

Read is accused of hitting and killing her boyfriend and Boston police officer John O’Keefe with her car and leaving him to die in the snow in 2022.

Her first trial ended in a mistrial because of a deadlocked jury.

During last week’s hearing, Judge Beverly Cannone suspended it after saying she had grave concern over new information presented by prosecutors.

Special counsel Hank Brennan claims witnesses were paid by Read’s defense and that ARCCA, a consulting firm, sent a bill to read’s defense for about $24,000.

Defense attorney Alan Jackson denied the claims.

Legal analyst Ken Schreiber noted that the judge may disqualify Jackson as Read’s attorney, but will first examine the law and allow Jackson to respond

“I think the judge is going to examine the law as to what the accusations are (and) allow Alan Jackson to respond before the judge reaches a decision or a punishment or ruling,” said Schreiber.

Read is set to appear in court Tuesday at 11 a.m. to continue her pre-trial hearing.