State Police Confirm Removal of Karen Read Investigator

(State Police image from Facebook)

In the wake of news reports that Sergeant Yuri Bukhenik had been removed from the Norfolk County District Attorney's office following the second trial of Karen Read, the State Police spokesman issued the following statement Tuesday morning:

While we typically don't comment on individual personnel decisions, I can confirm that Sergeant Bukhenik was transferred on a temporary duty assignment to the Division of Standards and Training (DST) effective Sunday 6 July 2025. Mechanically, the transfer passed through the Division of Field Services’ South Boston Barracks which is reflected in the order titled 25PER408. As a Sergeant assigned to the DST Commander’s Office, Sergeant Bukhenik will perform a variety of administrative functions in support of the Division’s daily operations. In his time leading the Department, the Colonel has impressed upon leaders of every rank that personnel decisions should serve the best interest of the Department’s public safety mission. We do this by conducting a fair and robust hiring process that ensures Troopers and professional staff of every background can articulate their qualifications and describe their ability to fulfill the specific responsibilities of any given roll. The Division of Investigative Services is currently accepting applications for the vacancy for the sworn sergeant position in the Norfolk County State Police Detective Unit. As the Colonel said following the conclusion of the second trial, the events of the last three years have challenged our Department to thoroughly review our actions and take concrete steps to deliver advanced investigative training, ensure appropriate oversight, and enhance accountability. Under his direction as Colonel, the State Police has, and will continue to, improve in these regards. Our focus remains on delivering excellent police services that reflect the value of professionalism and maintaining public trust.