Massachusetts Investigator Dismissed After Lewd Texts Amid “Karen Read” Case
Michael Proctor, the lead investigator in the high‑profile Karen Read murder trial, resigned after it surfaced he’d sent explicit, vulgar text messages about the accused, even hoping harm would come to her. Despite calls of evidence‑planting and bias, Proctor maintained that the investigation itself was sound, attributing the backlash to a “loud minority.” He acknowledged errors while defending the probe’s integrity. Read was ultimately acquitted of murder and manslaughter yet pleaded guilty to DUI, receiving probation. Proctor’s dismissal occurred between trial phases, preventing him from testifying later .
Remains of Retired Detective Found Months After Disappearance
Retired Connecticut detective Mary Notarangelo, 73, vanished in July 2024. Only in February 2025 were her skeletal remains discovered in her Glastonbury home, buried beneath hoarded debris—dead birds, live mice, contaminants. Neighbors first reported concerns when they noticed no activity and heard complaints of pain from her. Search efforts with drones, cadaver dogs, and environmental teams failed until a biohazard cleanup crew excavated her entrance. The medical examiner couldn’t determine cause of death. Notarangelo, described as quirky and devoted to animals, led a solitary life after retiring due to injury .
ZRP Rebuts Investigator’s Interpol Claims in Hijacked Vehicle Probe
In Zimbabwe on June 23, PI Tafadzwa Chidawa fired back at police who dismissed his assertion of collaborating with Interpol to recover a Land Cruiser reportedly stolen across the Malawi border. The Zimbabwe Republic Police accused him of fabricating Interpol links and questioned his methods. Chidawa insisted he did indeed involve the international agency. The dispute raises questions about local PI credentials and jurisdiction in cross-border theft investigations .
Influencers Hiring PIs to Expose Online Trolls
Australian influencer Indy Clinton revealed on June 17 that she hired a private investigator over several months to unmask the individuals behind online harassment. The PI tracked digital footprints, identifying anonymous bullies. This trend reflects a growing niche: using detective skills in cyberspace to tackle defamation, doxxing, and targeted trolling—highlighting the shifting scope of private investigation beyond physical surveillance .
Texas Insurance CEO under AG Investigation for Spying via PIs
In March, the Texas AG (Ken Paxton) launched an investigation into Superior Insurance after its CEO admitted hiring private investigators to surveil lawmakers, journalists, and claimants. The PIs were allegedly used to gather leverage, intimidate, or discredit individuals associated with claims or regulation. The CEO made the admission publicly at a legislative hearing, prompting scrutiny over whether the surveillance violated privacy or contract law .
Mexican‑US PI Pleads Guilty to Bribery, DWI Scheme
In New Mexico, PI Ricardo Mendez pleaded guilty to federal racketeering and bribery charges tied to a DWI corruption scheme termed the “Driving While Intoxicated Enterprise.” Since around 2008, Mendez reportedly orchestrated bribes to judges and law enforcement to get clients’ DUI cases dismissed. His admission followed a long federal investigation, prompting resignations in the Albuquerque Police Department and a surge in sobriety enforcement reforms .
NJ PI Sentenced for Espionage Ties to China
Michael McMahon, a former NYPD detective turned PI, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison after being convicted of acting as an unregistered agent for China in its “Operation Fox Hunt.” According to prosecutors, McMahon spread false information about a New Jersey couple, believing he was handling a private debt collection, not realizing it was part of Chinese government effort. The discrepancy between his sentence and the lighter consequences for a Chinese national spy sparked political backlash .
Israeli PI Extradition Over Exxon-Linked Hacking Scheme
Amit Forlit, an Israeli private investigator detained in the UK, faces extradition to the U.S. amid allegations he orchestrated hacking against climate activists on behalf of DCI Group and ExxonMobil. He stands accused of hiring cybercriminals to steal emails and private data from environmental advocates to undermine legal challenges against Exxon. His case draws parallels with the earlier Aviram Azari hacking scandal and raises ethical concerns about corporate-sponsored cyber espionage .
Corporate Espionage with PIs: Drones and Honeytraps
A Times UK exposé from December highlights an illicit surveillance culture in corporate competitive battles. Former officer-turned-PI Danny details using drones, hidden cameras, and honeytrap seductions to gather intelligence in disputes, such as the Boohoo vs Frasers Group boardroom feud. With corporate espionage now a multi‑billion‑dollar industry ($18.2 B globally), critics are calling for regulation to rein in invasive, potentially illegal tactics used by private investigation firms .
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