Aidan Kearney aka Turtleboy
In Norfolk County, Massachusetts, a crusading figure known as "Turtleboy" has sparked heated debate, with people feeling he’s a victim of a corrupt legal system determined to silence him. Aidan Kearney, a blogger who earned his nickname from Worcester’s iconic "Turtle Boy" statue, has made waves. His outspoken reporting on TB Daily News including his coverage of the Karen Read murder case has made him a target. Kearney alleges that a law enforcement cover-up in the death of Boston police officer John O’Keefe much be exposed even if it puts his own freedom at risk. For those outside Norfolk County, here’s why Kearney’s case raises serious questions about corruption and abuse of power in the region.
Kearney’s troubles began in late 2023 when he was arrested on charges of assault, witness intimidation, and wiretapping tied to an alleged incident with an ex-girlfriend. He spent 60 days in jail, from December 26, 2023, to February 23, 2024, before being released on personal recognizance. While the assault charge was dropped, the intimidation and wiretapping charges remain pending in Norfolk Superior Court, with a pretrial hearing held in April 2025. Kearney’s legal team, led by attorneys Timothy Bradl and Mark Bederow, argues these charges are a pretext to punish him for his journalism. They claim state police colluded with his ex-girlfriend to “set him up,” pointing to text messages between her, Special Prosecutor Kenneth Mello, and a state trooper as evidence of a coordinated effort.
The heart of the controversy lies in Kearney’s coverage of the Karen Read case, where he’s accused authorities of framing Read for O’Keefe’s death. His blog posts and YouTube videos have rallied a following dubbed “Turtle Riders,” who protest with signs declaring “Journalism is not a crime.” Kearney’s attorneys argue that his reporting is protected speech, but prosecutors, including Special Assistant District Attorney Robert C. Cosgrove, allege he crossed a line into witness intimidation by publicizing personal details and confronting witnesses. Yet, in May 2025, a judge dismissed six of 16 intimidation-related charges, citing insufficient evidence, which supporters see as proof of prosecutorial overreach.
Kearney’s defenders point to troubling signs of corruption. They allege prosecutors misrepresented whether his seized phones were searched, potentially hiding evidence that could aid his defense. An affidavit showed how a Commonwealth agent was paid by the Norfolk County DA’s office and bribed to spread misinformation about Kearney and Read. Discovery delays have also hindered Kearney’s ability to report, raising suspicions of deliberate obstruction. When prosecutors tried to monitor his attorney-client calls, a judge rejected the move, calling their evidence baseless. This turn of events further demonstrated claims of law enforcement vindictiveness against Kearney.
While courts have ruled some of Kearney’s actions, like targeting witnesses, aren’t protected speech, one has to consider the dropped charges and questionable prosecutorial tactics. These methods clearly suggest something deeper at play. This case is worth following as it paints a troubling picture of Norfolk County’s justice system, where a blogger exposing alleged police misconduct faces relentless legal pressure. The story is not unique to Norfolk County and whether you believe Turtleboy is a provocateur, or a whistleblower targeted by a corrupt system, the corruption in this legal system is alarming. As his case continues, it’s a stark reminder that even in a small corner of Massachusetts, the fight for truth can come at a steep cost, and the shadow of law enforcement corruption looms in America.
Coltswalker - Tuesday, June 3, 2025