Controversial blogger Aidan Kearney, also known as “Turtleboy,” appeared in Norfolk Superior Court for a hearing regarding accusations of witness intimidation in the Karen Read murder trial. Kearney, who extensively covered the case on his blog, faces charges of harassing witnesses and was accused of assaulting a woman he was dating. Kearney pleaded not guilty and criticized the commonwealth for slowing down his case to prevent him from covering the Read trial. The state admitted to not delivering all discovery by the May 8 deadline, prompting Kearney’s attorney to seek the dismissal of the prosecutor for failure to prosecute. The judge granted the state 21 days to provide all discovery with the next hearing scheduled for July 11. Kearney and his attorney believe that the state is intentionally withholding documents to delay the case. An affidavit revealed that Read shared confidential information with Kearney, leading to allegations of privacy violation. While Kearney insists he did not reveal his sources, the special prosecutor argues that he cannot use journalism as a shield for activist behavior. The judge overseeing the case prohibited Kearney from being in the courtroom during the testimony of witnesses he’s accused of intimidating. The case continues to unfold with ongoing tensions between Kearney, the state, and the judicial system.
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