Grand juror admits leaking information in Karen Read case

Jessica Leslie, a grand juror involved in the investigation of Karen Read, pleaded guilty to leaking confidential information from the grand jury proceedings. This breach of protocol led to a charge of criminal contempt, as Leslie disclosed witness names and testimony while the information was under seal. As part of her plea agreement, Leslie accepted a one-day incarceration sentence, already served, and will be subject to 24 months of supervised release. The case gained attention after Read was acquitted of serious charges linked to the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, in 2022. Federal prosecutors did not reveal how they discovered the leaks, but sources stated that monitoring of social media accounts played a role.

The integrity of grand jury proceedings is crucial for maintaining confidentiality in the judicial process. A plea hearing for Leslie has not yet been scheduled. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of protecting sensitive information in high-profile cases.