Karen Learn sells residence, makes use of retirement fund; supporters elevate protection funds

As homicide defendant Karen Learn rounds the nook on the midway level of her second trial, the crippling weight of unpaid authorized payments might be alleviated by an unlikely supply: on-line crowdfunding. 

Months earlier than her retrial was set to start, Learn instructed Self-importance Honest she owes her protection staff over $5 million in authorized charges – a complete that’s probably rising with the addition of two new attorneys. 

“Aside from feeling wrongfully persecuted and prosecuted, I really feel extremely violated,” Learn mentioned within the Self-importance Honest interview, including, “If I can get all the reality of this case out within the public discussion board, that, to me, is priceless.”

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Karen Learn listens to witness Jessica Hyde throughout her homicide trial in Norfolk Superior Court docket in Dedham, Massachusetts, on Wednesday, Could 7, 2025. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger through AP, Pool)

Learn pleaded not responsible and is dealing with the potential for life in jail for the alleged homicide of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe. She is accused of ramming O’Keefe together with her automobile throughout a drunken argument earlier than leaving him to freeze to demise within the entrance yard of a fellow police officer’s residence within the early morning hours of Jan. 29, 2022. 

Learn’s protection staff didn’t instantly reply to Fox Information Digital’s request for remark. 

Final 12 months, Norfolk County Superior Court docket Decide Beverly Cannone declared a mistrial after the jury was unable to succeed in a verdict, setting the stage for a expensive redo for Learn.  

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Karen Learn, middle, and her authorized staff arrive at Norfolk County Superior Court docket in Dedham, Massachusetts, on April 25, 2025. (David McGlynn for Fox Information Digital)

Since her first trial, Learn’s protection staff has launched two new gamers, with attorneys Robert Alessi and Victoria George becoming a member of Alan Jackson, David Yannetti and Elizabeth Little. 

To assist subsidize her bills, Learn reportedly offered her Mansfield residence for $810,000 in November 2024 and resides off of her 401(ok) retirement fund after shedding her jobs as a Bentley College finance professor and Constancy Investments equities analyst following her arrest. 

Along with turning to her fairness, quite a few crowdfunding websites have been kick-started to assist Learn chip away at her authorized charges – a typical tactic utilized in high-profile court docket instances the place payments might rise into the seven figures. 

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Karen Learn smiles as protection legal professional David Yannetti speaks to reporters in entrance of Norfolk Superior Court docket after the choose declared a mistrial, July 1, 2024 in Dedham, Massachusetts. (AP Picture/Steven Senne)

“There are lots of examples of high-profile defendants paying out-of-pocket for his or her protection,” prison protection legal professional Andrew Stoltmann instructed Fox Information Digital. “O.J. Simpson is the traditional instance. However it’s stunning when high-profile, non-wealthy people pay out-of-pocket for his or her total protection.” 

A Justice for Karen Learn authorized protection fund, organized by Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, is closing in on $1 million raised, with donations persevering with to pour in as Learn’s second trial wraps up its fourth week.

“Preserve combating,” one nameless donor wrote. “I imagine in Karen’s innocence and grateful she has an incredible staff defending her.” 

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Werksman Jackson & Quinn didn’t instantly reply to Fox Information Digital’s request for remark. 

Moreover, the Free Karen Learn Motion has launched a web site promoting sweatshirts, T-shirts and different attire in assist of Learn, whereas advocating for her innocence. 

Earlier this month, supporters hosted a ticketed feast in a close-by city to boost cash for Learn. Seats have been priced at $100 and included a dwell DJ, raffle and money bar. 

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Karen Learn talks together with her attorneys, Robert Alessi and David Yannetti, proper, throughout her trial at Norfolk Superior Court docket, Tuesday, Could 6, 2025. (Matt Stone/The Boston Herald through AP, Pool)

The occasion organizers didn’t instantly reply to Fox Information Digital’s request for remark. 

Whereas turning to public strategies as a technique to bankroll authorized funds will increase, specialists warning the charity might include strings hooked up. 

“A 3rd-party funding supply is each a blessing and a curse,” Stoltmann mentioned. “They will present mandatory funds to placed on a top-flight protection, however in addition they are inclined to have a disproportionate quantity of sway with the attorneys for the reason that payments are being paid by the third occasion. It’s an moral quagmire for the attorneys on instances.”

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Learn’s protection staff didn’t instantly reply to Fox Information Digital’s request for touch upon whether or not she plans to just accept the funds. 

In mild of the hefty price ticket for authorized illustration, it’s not unusual for attorneys to tackle high-profile instances for a diminished charge in trade for publicity. 

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“Many prison protection legal professionals will take a case professional bono or at a severely discounted charge if it’s a high-profile case and there’s an excessive amount of information and tv protection,” Stoltmann instructed Fox Information Digital. “This typically results in a tsunami of latest purchasers coming within the door for years after the trial takes place. This could be what’s occurring in Karen Learn’s case.” 

Whereas Learn’s destiny stays within the palms of the jury, her probability to take care of her freedom – and clear her identify – continues to come back at an extremely excessive value. 

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“I’m not backing down now,” Learn instructed Self-importance Honest. “As scary as a possible conviction is, I’ll go to jail for one thing I didn’t do earlier than I plea out. I’ll by no means give them that win.”