Home World Live International Crisis Karen Read’s advocate refutes claims of witness intimidation involving rubber ducks and counterfeit $100 notes.

Karen Read’s advocate refutes claims of witness intimidation involving rubber ducks and counterfeit $100 notes.

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Karen Read’s advocate refutes claims of witness intimidation involving rubber ducks and counterfeit $100 notes.

BOSTON — The controversial murder case involving Karen Read has captivated the public, igniting passionate rallies of supporters dressed in pink and sparking heated debates within a Massachusetts community. In an unusual twist, rubber ducks have become a symbol of the ongoing controversy.

Recently, a prominent supporter of Read, Richard Schiffer Jr., pleaded not guilty to charges of witness intimidation, harassment, and littering. Schiffer openly confessed to distributing numerous yellow rubber ducks and fake $100 bills throughout the town, asserting that his actions fall under his First Amendment rights as he voices support for Read’s claim of being wrongfully accused in this widely discussed murder case.

Karen Read awaits a retrial set for January, facing allegations that she ran over her boyfriend, John O’Keefe, with her SUV, ultimately leading to his death in a snowstorm. Read’s legal team contends that other police officers may bear responsibility for O’Keefe’s fatality. A previous trial concluded in June with a mistrial declared due to the jury’s inability to reach a unanimous decision.

Schiffer, aged 65, remained silent during his brief court appearance at Stoughton District Court but was met with a warm welcome from numerous supporters outside. Many attendees donned T-shirts adorned with rubber duck motifs, while others waved American flags or held signs in favor of Read. One woman even brought her parrot dressed in a cape that proclaimed “Quack Quack,” and another individual showcased a large flag emblazoned with the phrase “Are they ducken crazy.”

“I am amazed by all the support,” Schiffer expressed. He opened a bag that had been handed to him, revealing a silver duck. “I never anticipated my actions would escalate to this level,” he added, as chants of “We Love You” erupted from the crowd.

Schiffer was inspired to use rubber ducks after he recalled the defense attorney’s closing argument, where the phrase “if it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it’s a duck” was highlighted. This phrase resonated with the police report, which noted the connection between the ducks and the courtroom comments.

“I never aimed for notoriety,” Schiffer stated. “I am confident that I am doing what is right.” His attorney, Timothy Bradl, announced plans to seek a dismissal of the charges based on First Amendment grounds prior to their next court appearance in November.

“This embodies the spirit of our nation—gathering on the courthouse steps to protest against overreaching government actions,” Bradl asserted to the audience. “What we are witnessing is viewpoint discrimination. Law enforcement doesn’t appreciate the message, and they should feel ashamed. There is no crime being committed here.”

The defense maintains that O’Keefe was killed inside the home of fellow Boston officer Brian Albert and subsequently moved outside. They argue that investigators prematurely focused their attention on Read as a “convenient outsider” rather than considering potential suspects among law enforcement officers.

Schiffer is one of many supporters who allege that there is a sweeping cover-up orchestrated by state and local authorities. Their activism has sparked tense exchanges, particularly in Canton, where the murder allegedly took place, between Read’s supporters and those who believe in her guilt.

Schiffer, who runs a local fencing business and claims to know nearly everyone in the town, is accused of placing ducks outside a pizzeria owned by Chris Albert, the brother of the officer implicated in the murder case. Others have been spotted in the vicinity of O’Keefe’s neighborhood.

Also facing intimidation charges is Aidan Timothy Kearney, widely known as “Turtleboy.” Kearney has been vocal on his blog, raising questions about the prosecution’s case and galvanizing support for Read. “A threat to one of us is a threat to all of us,” he declared outside the courtroom, sporting a black T-shirt featuring a rubber duck. “Rich did nothing wrong! He simply distributed ducks with messages that they found objectionable… We will continue to defend our First Amendment rights against the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office.”