Controversial Massachusetts Blogger “Turtleboy” Arrested on New Charges
Aidan Timothy Kearney, known as “Turtleboy,” was arrested by police on Tuesday and is expected to appear in Dedham District Court. Special prosecutor Kenneth Mello confirmed the arrest and said additional information would be released at the Tuesday afternoon court proceeding.
Kearney, who has blogged extensively about the Karen Read murder case, previously faced charges in connection to his postings and has now been indicted on additional charges. The 16-count indictment includes charges of intimidation of a witness, picketing a witness, and conspiracy to intimidate a witness. Kearney pleaded not guilty to the new charges.
The murder case against Karen Read involves accusations of her hitting a Boston police officer with her vehicle outside a home in Canton. Kearney has been accused of not following no-contact orders with individuals connected to the case. Mello argued that Kearney has been encouraging his followers to harass witnesses through his blogs and YouTube videos.
Kearney remains free, with the only restriction being that he not commit any crimes. However, the prosecutor warned that if he does, he will be brought back to court and possibly sent to jail.
In addition to Kearney’s arrest, a civilian dispatcher with the Avon Police Department has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of investigations into alleged “inappropriate and illegal use of law enforcement database.”
Kearney’s indictments identify Jannell Webb as the co-conspirator in all three of the conspiracy counts. Court records show that the three felony charges were also filed against Webb on Wednesday.
Kearney has previously attempted to have the court lift the order requiring him to stay away from witnesses in the Read case, but his bid was denied. He also sought the return of electronic devices seized during the search of his home, but his emergency motion was also denied.
The developments in Kearney’s case come as Karen Read is scheduled to go on trial in March. The turtleboy’s case will continue to be closely monitored as it unfolds.