Judge revokes bail for Turtleboy blogger Aidan Kearney amid new assault and battery charges
DEDHAM - Aidan Kearney, the controversial blogger who became an advocate in the Karen Read murder case, is now behind bars.
A judge revoked bail Tuesday for Kearney, who goes by Turtleboy online. He was back in court facing charges of assault and battery and witness intimidation.
Prosecutors said that on Saturday, Kearney went to his ex-girlfriend's home, demanded to see her phone, then shoved her during a confrontation.
"We're just shocked and disgusted that that's the ruling and we're going to do everything we can to fight it," said defense attorney Tim Bradl.
Prosecutor Kenneth Mello said the victim was previously in a romantic relationship with Kearney and that she is a witness in a grand jury investigation. That same grand jury indicted Kearney on several charges.
Prosecutors say on Saturday, December 23, Kearney went to his ex-girlfriend's home, demanded to see her phone, and then, during a confrontation, he shoved her.
In court on Tuesday, the judge allowed Kearney's attorney to play a recording of a conversation the two had that day, and prosecutors allege that is when she was pushed.
The defense said that is not what happened.
Outside of court, words were exchanged between Turtleboy supporters and those who feel empathy for the victim.
"I thought the charges today were another attempt to silence him. It seems like for the last couple of months they've been doing everything they can to weaponize the law to use it against him and keep him quiet," said Turtleboy supporter Brad Goldstein.
"Men who use violence against women to silence them and intimidate them are the worst dregs of our society," said Grant Smith Ellis, an independent journalist.
Kearney pleaded not guilty to the new charges. He was already under indictment for charges related to witness intimidation in the Karen Read case. He could be held in jail for up to 90 days.
Read is accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston Police officer John O'Keefe.