Karen Read’s DUI Conviction Costs Taxpayers Up to $5 Million

A recent DUI conviction in Dedham, Massachusetts, has sparked outrage over the staggering costs incurred by taxpayers, estimated between **$3 million** and **$5 million**. Karen Read, convicted on **June 18, 2025**, has become the center of a controversy that highlights potential mismanagement of public funds by Norfolk County District Attorney **Michael Morrissey**.

The financial fallout from Read’s case continues to grow. Reports from **Boston 25** and the **Herald** reveal that Morrissey spent nearly **$600,000** on an accident reconstruction firm, **Aperture**, which has been criticized for its questionable methods. The firm’s performance has been compared unfavorably to “fantasy football,” leading many to question the value of such expenditures.

Even after federal investigators determined that Read’s SUV did not strike her boyfriend, Morrissey pursued a narrative that failed to align with the evidence. According to sources, he ignored substantial proof provided by the Department of Justice that could have cleared Read’s name.

In addition to the costs associated with Aperture, Morrissey reportedly allocated **$17,000** for transcriptions of media coverage related to the trial. This has raised eyebrows among critics who argue that such spending was unnecessary and indicative of an obsessive pursuit of Read.

Morrissey also hired other experts whose qualifications have been called into question. One of these, described as a “redneck expert,” had struggled for years to earn a degree and lacked basic technical knowledge. Another was flown in from California at great expense, further inflating the already substantial legal bill.

The total financial burden does not end with direct costs. The case has involved multiple police departments in **Norfolk County**, leading to further expenditures related to investigations and legal proceedings across various cases. Critics are concerned that these funds, which could have been better allocated to community services, were squandered in the pursuit of a conviction that many view as unjust.

As the financial implications of this case mount, Morrissey’s political future appears precarious. His campaign account currently shows a balance of **$420,912.71**, a stark contrast to his declining popularity. Despite a long career in public service, he has only received one contribution in the past year.

Several observers have called for Morrissey to take responsibility for the financial mismanagement associated with this case. Suggested actions include returning funds to the taxpayers who bore the brunt of these expenses.

As the community reflects on the implications of Read’s conviction and the surrounding costs, many hope for a resolution that prioritizes justice and accountability. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of prosecutorial overreach and the importance of responsible fiscal management in public office.