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{{Short description|American author, blogger and social activist}} Leader in Domestic Violence and being a Paid activist for a murderer.
{{Short description|American author, blogger and social activist}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
'''Aidan T. Kearney''' is an American author, Fraud Journalist, he's best know for posting revenge porn, also known as '''''Turtleboy.'''''<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Machado |first=Jess |date=2024-01-15 |title=Exclusive first interview with Aidan "Turtle Boy" Kearney from jail |url=https://fallriverreporter.com/exclusive-first-interview-with-aidan-turtle-boy-kearney-from-jail/ |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=Fall River Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> He is the senior editor of TB Daily News.

Kearney has organized mass witness intimidation and provided false media coverage of an ongoing case regarding the death of a Boston Police Officer, [[Killing of John O'Keefe|John O'Keefe]].

The name Turtleboy is a nod to the cartoon turtle he looks like.

{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Aidan Kearney
| name = Aidan Kearney
| other_names = Turtleboy, Clarence Woods Emerson
| other_names = Turtleboy, Clarence Woods Emerson
| birth_date = December 26, 1981
| birth_date = {{Birth year and age|1981|12}}<ref name=McColgan/>
| birth_place =
| alma_mater = [[University of Massachusetts Amherst]]
| alma_mater = [[University of Massachusetts Amherst]]
| occupation = Domestic Violence Participant, paid PR Journalist
| occupation = Journalist, author
|forgotten children = 2
| mother = Mary Mullaney
| parents = Mary Mullaney (mother)
| father = Kevin Kearney
| awards = {{ubl
Kevin Kearney (father)
| awards = Prison Magazine: Best Med Hold Blog (2023,2024)
|''Worcester Magazine'': Best Local Blog (2015, 2016)
|''Worcester Magazine'': Best Local News Source (2017, 2018)
|''The Valley Patriot'': First Amendment Award (2018)
}}
| website = {{URL|tbdailynews.com}}
}}
'''Aidan T. Kearney''' (born December 1981)<ref name=McColgan/> is an American journalist, blogger, author, and [[Conservatism in the United States|conservative]] activist, also known as '''Turtleboy'''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Machado |first=Jess |date=2024-01-15 |title=Exclusive first interview with Aidan "Turtle Boy" Kearney from jail |url=https://fallriverreporter.com/exclusive-first-interview-with-aidan-turtle-boy-kearney-from-jail/ |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=Fall River Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> Kearney is the senior editor of the website and podcast ''TB Daily News''. He gained notoriety for his coverage of an ongoing case regarding the [[killing of John O'Keefe]], a [[Boston Police Department|Boston Police]] officer, and the ensuing prosecution of Karen Read, additionally organizing protests in support of Read.


== Early life ==
== Early career ==
Born in [[Worcester, Massachusetts]], he is the son of a former attorney and Worcester School Committee member Mary Mullaney and Kevin Kearney.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=McFarlane |first=Clive |title=Turtleboy blogger unmasked |url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/local/worcester/2015/03/03/turtleboy-blogger-unmasked/985975007/ |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=The Worcester Telegram & Gazette |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Damian Kearney - Track and Field |url=https://lmulions.com/sports/track-and-field/roster/damian-kearney/3276 |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=Loyola Marymount University Athletics |language=en}}</ref> Kearney attended [[South High Community School]], graduating in 2000.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=McFarlane |first=Clive |title=Track coach says fix is in for school job |url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/local/east-valley/2007/11/21/track-coach-says-fix-is/52734435007/ |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=The Worcester Telegram & Gazette |language=en-US}}</ref>
Kearney is the son of a former attorney and Worcester School Committee member Mary Mullaney and Kevin Kearney. He was raised in [[Worcester, Massachusetts]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=McFarlane |first=Clive |title=Turtleboy blogger unmasked |url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/local/worcester/2015/03/03/turtleboy-blogger-unmasked/985975007/ |date=2015-03-03 |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=The Worcester Telegram & Gazette |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Damian Kearney - Track and Field |url=https://lmulions.com/sports/track-and-field/roster/damian-kearney/3276 |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=Loyola Marymount University Athletics |language=en}}</ref> Kearney attended [[South High Community School]], graduating in 2000.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=McFarlane |first=Clive |title=Track coach says fix is in for school job |url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/local/east-valley/2007/11/21/track-coach-says-fix-is/52734435007/ |date=2007-11-21 |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=The Worcester Telegram & Gazette |language=en-US}}</ref> Kearney coached boys varsity track at [[Doherty Memorial High School]] in Worcester, circa 2007,<ref name=":2" /> and worked as a history teacher at [[Shepherd Hill Regional High School]] in [[Dudley, Massachusetts]], for 11 years,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe-grabbing-the-spotlight/147950657/ |title=Grabbing the spotlight and ruffling feathers |first=Aidan |last=Ryan |newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]] |page=A9 |date=March 21, 2024 |accessdate=May 23, 2024 |via=newspapers.com}}</ref> until late 2014.<ref name=":1" />


In 2021, Kearney ran for [[Wachusett Regional School District|Wachusett Regional School]] Committee, but was not elected.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 10, 2021 |title=Town of Holden, Election Results |url=https://www.holdenma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif4526/f/uploads/2021_05_10_unofficial_results.pdf |access-date=January 22, 2024 |website=holdenma.gov}}</ref>
== Career ==
Early on in his career, Kearney worked as a history teacher at [[Shepherd Hill Regional High School]] in Dudley, MA<ref name=":1" /> and coached boys varsity track at [[Doherty Memorial High School]] in Worcester.<ref name=":2" />


== Writing career ==
As a hobby, he started an online blog called ''AidanFromWorcester.com'', where he posted on a variety of issues.
As a hobby, Kearney started an online blog called ''AidanFromWorcester.com'', where he posted on a variety of issues. After he resigned from teaching,<ref name=":1"/> Kearney started the supposedly anonymous website, ''Turtleboy Sports,'' which he eventually turned into a full-time career.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kearney |first=Aidan |title=I Am Turtleboy: A teacher turned blogger battles big tech censorship, threats, and political correctness to protect free speech and democracy |year=2018 |publisher=Independently Published |isbn=978-1730970610 |publication-date=November 7, 2018}}</ref> Turtleboy is a nickname for the [[Burnside Fountain]] in Worcester, which he began using upon the suggestion of a former student.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Elton |first=Catherine |date=2024-05-19 |title="Free Karen Read" Blogger Turtleboy Will Not Go Quietly: Controversial Massachusetts blogger Aidan Kearney says he's a confrontational truth teller intent on righting wrongs. Critics, though, say he's a mean-spirited bully. Maybe he's both? |url=https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2024/05/19/who-is-turtleboy-aidan-kearney/ |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=Boston magazine}}</ref>


=== As Turtleboy ===
After he quit teaching, Kearney started the supposedly anonymous website, ''Turtleboy Sports,'' which he eventually turned into a full-time career.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kearney |first=Aidan |title=I Am Turtleboy: A teacher turned blogger battles big tech censorship, threats, and political correctness to protect free speech and democracy |year=2018 |isbn=978-1730970610 |publication-date=November 7, 2018}}</ref>
After founding the online publication ''Turtleboy Sports'', Kearney wrote investigative articles anonymously under the pen name Uncle Turtleboy and Clarence Woods Emerson. He grew the site into a team of contributors who contributed articles anonymously under a variety of pseudonyms. In 2015, his identity was unmasked and he began openly using the Turtleboy alias in his writing.<ref name=":1" /> He changed the name of his publication to ''TB Daily News'' in 2017.{{Citation needed|date=January 2024}}


In 2018, Kearney wrote articles about [[Facebook]] and [[Google]], citing online censorship. This prompted him to write and publish a book titled, ''I Am Turtleboy: A Teacher Turned Blogger Battles Big Tech Censorship, Threats, and Political Correctness to Protect Free Speech and Democracy''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mullaney |first=Tim |title=The tale of Turtleboy and how Facebook stifles free speech |url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-tale-of-turtleboy-and-how-facebook-stifles-free-speech-2018-05-24 |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=MarketWatch |language=EN-US}}</ref>
In 2021, Kearney ran for [[Wachusett Regional School District|Wachusett Regional School]] Committee but was not elected into the role.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 10, 2021 |title=Town of Holden, Election Results |url=https://www.holdenma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif4526/f/uploads/2021_05_10_unofficial_results.pdf |access-date=January 22, 2024 |website=holdenma.gov}}</ref>


In 2019, the [[American Civil Liberties Union]] provided legal defense for Kearney in a case against a [[Rhode Island]] judge who ordered the removal of “any and all posts, blogs, and comments” regarding a person who sued him for libel. The case cited a violation of the First Amendment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ACLU Defends Blogger Subjected to Court "Gag Order" After He Posted a Blog About Hopkinton Resident |url=https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/aclu-defends-blogger-subjected-court-gag-order-after-he-posted-blog-about-hopkinton |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=American Civil Liberties Union |language=en-US}}</ref>
== As 'Turtleboy' ==
After founding the online publication Turtleboy Sports, Kearney wrote investigative articles anonymously under the pen name ''Uncle Turtleboy'' and ''Clarence Woods Emerson''. He grew the site into a team of contributors who contributed articles anonymously under a variety of nom de plumes.


=== Investigative reporting ===
In 2015, his identity was unmasked and he began openly using the Turtleboy alias in his writing.<ref name=":1" /> He changed the name of his publication to ''TB Daily News'' in 2017.{{Citation needed|date=January 2024}}


==== Massachusetts State Police scandal ====
In 2018, Kearney spoke out about big tech companies like [[Facebook]] and [[Google]], citing online censorship. This prompted him to write and publish a book titled, I AM Turtleboy: ''A teacher turned blogger battles big tech censorship, threats, and political correctness to protect free speech and democracy.''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mullaney |first=Tim |title=The tale of Turtleboy and how Facebook stifles free speech |url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-tale-of-turtleboy-and-how-facebook-stifles-free-speech-2018-05-24 |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=MarketWatch |language=EN-US}}</ref>

In 2019, the [[American Civil Liberties Union|ACLU]] provided legal defense for Kearney in a case against a [[Rhode Island]] judge who ordered the removal of “any and all posts, blogs, and comments” regarding a person who sued him for libel. The case cited a violation of the First Amendment in an attempt to censor an investigative journalist.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ACLU Defends Blogger Subjected to Court "Gag Order" After He Posted a Blog About Hopkinton Resident |url=https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/aclu-defends-blogger-subjected-court-gag-order-after-he-posted-blog-about-hopkinton |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=American Civil Liberties Union |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Investigative reporting ==

=== Massachusetts State Police scandal ===
In 2018, Kearney covered alleged misconduct within the [[Massachusetts State Police]] regarding a K-9 trooper's history of drug dealing and money laundering.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2018-08-25 |title=Mass. state trooper with criminal past dishonorably discharged |url=https://www.wcvb.com/article/massachusetts-state-trooper-leigha-genduso-discharged/22828101 |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=WCVB |language=en}}</ref> In the early 2000s, the trooper participated in a large scale marijuana business run by her then-live-in boyfriend. The trooper failed to disclose this criminal activity when applying for the State Police, but was uncovered during a testimony against her former boyfriend. The uncovering of this information led the State Police to implementing new background checks and hiring protocols.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moulton |first=Cyrus |title=State trooper with drug-dealing past is ousted |url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/local/worcester/2018/08/25/state-trooper-with-drug-dealing-past-is-ousted/10953697007/ |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=The Worcester Telegram & Gazette |language=en-US}}</ref> Because of her criminal history and subsequent dishonorable discharge from the force, cases she participated in during her tenure were called into question. Three District Attorney cases were thrown out due to her involvement.<ref name=":3" />
In 2018, Kearney covered alleged misconduct within the [[Massachusetts State Police]] regarding a K-9 trooper's history of drug dealing and money laundering.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2018-08-25 |title=Mass. state trooper with criminal past dishonorably discharged |url=https://www.wcvb.com/article/massachusetts-state-trooper-leigha-genduso-discharged/22828101 |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=WCVB |language=en}}</ref> In the early 2000s, the trooper participated in a large scale marijuana business run by her then-live-in boyfriend. The trooper failed to disclose this criminal activity when applying for the State Police, but was uncovered during a testimony against her former boyfriend. The uncovering of this information led the State Police to implementing new background checks and hiring protocols.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moulton |first=Cyrus |title=State trooper with drug-dealing past is ousted |url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/local/worcester/2018/08/25/state-trooper-with-drug-dealing-past-is-ousted/10953697007/ |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=The Worcester Telegram & Gazette |language=en-US}}</ref> Because of her criminal history and subsequent dishonorable discharge from the force, cases she participated in during her tenure were called into question. Three District Attorney cases were thrown out due to her involvement.<ref name=":3" />


He was also cited as the first to break news of a Massachusetts state trooper who faced disciplinary actions for including incriminating details in an arrest report concerning a judge's daughter.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lips |first=Evan |date=2018-02-23 |title=TRIALS OF TURTLEBOY: Worcester Blog Takes On Boston Newspapers Over Coverage Of Massachusetts State Police Scandals |url=https://newbostonpost.com/2018/02/22/trials-of-turtleboy-worcester-blog-takes-on-boston-newspapers-over-coverage-of-massachusetts-state-police-scandals/ |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=NewBostonPost}}</ref>
Kearney was also cited as the first to break news of a Massachusetts state trooper who faced disciplinary actions for including incriminating details in an arrest report concerning a judge's daughter.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lips |first=Evan |date=2018-02-23 |title=TRIALS OF TURTLEBOY: Worcester Blog Takes On Boston Newspapers Over Coverage Of Massachusetts State Police Scandals |url=https://newbostonpost.com/2018/02/22/trials-of-turtleboy-worcester-blog-takes-on-boston-newspapers-over-coverage-of-massachusetts-state-police-scandals/ |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=NewBostonPost}}</ref>

=== Commonwealth vs. Karen Read ===
In April 2023, Kearney began covering a news story surrounding a Massachusetts woman named [[Karen Read case|Karen Read]], who was accused of hitting her boyfriend [[Killing of John O'Keefe|John O'Keefe]], a [[Boston Police Department|Boston police]] officer, with her car outside of a home in [[Canton, Massachusetts]] in January 2022. Kearney supports Read's claim that she did not hit O'Keefe and is being framed for his death. He has organized protests in Canton in support of Read, including at related pre-trial hearings, where he coined the phrase "Free Karen Read"''.'' The case has garnered national attention as the result of Kearney's coverage of the case in a series called ''Canton Coverup.''<ref name=":0" />

Kearney was arrested on October 11, 2023, and charged with one count of conspiracy and eight counts of witness intimidation related to his involvement with the case and subsequent protests.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Associated Press |first= |date=2023-10-11 |title=‘Turtleboy’ blogger charged with witness intimidation in murder case in Massachusetts |url=https://www.westernmassnews.com/2023/10/11/turtleboy-blogger-charged-with-witness-intimidation-murder-case-massachusetts/ |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=westernmassnews.com |language=en}}</ref> Kearney pled not guilty to all charges, and was released on bail on the condition that he "not have contact with people tied to Read's murder case".<ref name=":7" /> In December 2023, it was alleged that Kearney violated the conditions of his bail and was subject to arrest. He turned himself in to law enforcement and was arraigned in Dedham District Court on December 27, 2023. His bail was revoked and is being held in [[Norfolk County, Massachusetts|Norfolk County]] jail for up to 90 days.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Patkin |first=Abby |title=Turtleboy blogger Aidan Kearney's bail revoked amid new charges |url=https://www.boston.com/news/crime/2023/12/26/turtleboy-blogger-aidan-kearney-facing-new-assault-witness-intimidation-charges/ |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=www.boston.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

Kearney has retained a defense attorney for what they are arguing is a violation of Kearney's [[First Amendment to the United States Constitution|First Amendment]] rights on the basis of his work a journalist is protected under [[freedom of speech]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-02 |title=Judge hears First Amendment argument from ‘Turtleboy’ blogger charged with witness intimidation |url=https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/judge-hears-first-amendment-argument-turtleboy-blogger-charged-with-witness-intimidation/OIXRPPOKBRCTJMYBAK4KY7XZTA/ |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=Boston 25 News |language=en}}</ref>

== Awards and recognition ==
Under the Turtleboy Sports name, Kearney has won four [[Worcester Magazine]] ''Best of Worcester'' awards:


==== ''Commonwealth vs. Karen Read'' ====
* Best Local Blog: 2015, 2016
{{more|Killing of John O'Keefe}}
* Best Local News Source: 2017, 2018
In April 2023, Kearney began covering a Massachusetts woman named Karen Read, who was accused of killing her boyfriend John O'Keefe, a [[Boston Police Department|Boston Police]] officer, by hitting him with her car outside of a home in [[Canton, Massachusetts]], in January 2022. Kearney supported Read's claim that she did not hit O'Keefe and is being framed for his death. He has organized protests in Canton in support of Read, including at related pre-trial hearings, where he coined the phrase "Free Karen Read"''.'' The case has garnered national attention as the result of Kearney's coverage of the case in a series called ''Canton Coverup''<ref name=":0" /> and due to investigation, into prosecution of the Karen Read case, by the office of U.S. Attorney [[Joshua S. Levy]].<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Boston Herald |date=2024-01-23 |title= Letters confirm Karen Read murder case under federal investigation |url= https://www.bostonherald.com/2024/01/23/letters-confirm-karen-read-case-under-federal-investigation/ |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=bostonherald.com |language=en}}</ref>


In December 2023, Kearney was indicted on "eight counts of witness intimidation, three counts of conspiracy to intimidate witnesses, and five counts of picketing a witness" related to the Read case.<ref name=McColgan>{{Cite web |last=McColgan |first=Flint |date=2023-12-21 |title=Karen Read case-focused blogger Turtleboy indicted on 16 counts |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2023/12/21/karen-read-case-focused-blogger-turtleboy-indicted-on-16-counts/ |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=Boston Herald |language=en-US |url-access=limited}}</ref> Initially released on bail, Kearney's bail was revoked after he was accused of assaulting a former girlfriend who had received a summons to appear before a [[grand jury]] related to the witness intimidation charges.<ref name=Patkin/> He spent approximately two months in jail until being released in February 2024, amid new charges of witness intimidation and wiretapping related to the alleged assault of his former girlfriend.<ref name=Patkin>{{cite news |url=https://www.boston.com/news/crime/2024/02/23/controversial-turtleboy-blogger-indicted-on-new-witness-intimidation-wiretapping-charges/ |title=Turtleboy blogger freed from jail, pleads not guilty to new witness intimidation, wiretapping charges |first=Abby |last=Patkin |website=[[Boston.com]] |date=February 23, 2024 |accessdate=May 23, 2024}}</ref>
In 2018, Turtleboy was also among five nominees to be selected for The Valley Patriot ''First Amendment Award,'' a designation given to those who have "made a significant difference in holding public officials accountable, fought for transparency in government, and gone above and beyond the call of duty to defend and protect our right of free speech, a free press, freedom of religion and/or has been a whistle-blower against corruption".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Duggan |first=Tom |date=2018-03-06 |title=Valley Patriot BASH Committee Announces the 2018 Nominees for our 1st Amendment Award |url=https://valleypatriot.com/valley-patriot-bash-committee-announces-the-2018-nominees-for-our-1st-amendment-award/ |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=The Valley Patriot |language=en-US}}</ref>


== In popular media ==
=== Awards and recognition ===
Under the ''Turtleboy Sports'' name, Kearney has won four ''[[Worcester Magazine]]'' Best of Worcester awards, winning Best Local Blog in 2015 and 2016 as well as Best Local News Source in 2017 and 2018. In 2018, Turtleboy was also among five nominees to be selected for ''The Valley Patriot{{'}}s'' First Amendment Award, a designation given to those who have "made a significant difference in holding public officials accountable, fought for transparency in government, and gone above and beyond the call of duty to defend and protect our right of free speech, a free press, freedom of religion, and/or has been a whistle-blower against corruption".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Duggan |first=Tom |date=2018-03-06 |title=Valley Patriot BASH Committee Announces the 2018 Nominees for our 1st Amendment Award |url=https://valleypatriot.com/valley-patriot-bash-committee-announces-the-2018-nominees-for-our-1st-amendment-award/ |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=The Valley Patriot |language=en-US}}</ref>
Kearney has been has been a recurring guest with [[Howie Carr]] on [[The Howie Carr Show]].<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-12-21 |title=TURTLEBOY: "There's a reason they're being investigated by the FBI and I'm not" {{!}} 12.20.23 - The Howie Carr Show Hour 4 |url=https://howiecarrshow.com/turtleboy-theres-a-reason-theyre-being-investigated-by-the-fbi-and-im-not-12-20-23-the-howie-carr-show-hour-4/ |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=HCRN |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Karen Read Supporter 'Turtleboy' Talks to Court TV |url=https://www.courttv.com/title/karen-reed-supporter-turtleboy-talks-to-court-tv/ |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=Court TV |language=en-US}}</ref>


Kearney has been a recurring guest with [[Howie Carr]] on ''[[The Howie Carr Show]]''.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-12-21 |title=TURTLEBOY: "There's a reason they're being investigated by the FBI and I'm not" {{!}} 12.20.23 - The Howie Carr Show Hour 4 |url=https://howiecarrshow.com/turtleboy-theres-a-reason-theyre-being-investigated-by-the-fbi-and-im-not-12-20-23-the-howie-carr-show-hour-4/ |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=HCRN |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Karen Read Supporter 'Turtleboy' Talks to Court TV |url=https://www.courttv.com/title/karen-reed-supporter-turtleboy-talks-to-court-tv/ |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=Court TV |language=en-US}}</ref> Kearney has also been featured on [[Court TV]] to provide commentary on the Karen Read case and Kearney's own felony witness intimidation charges related to the investigation of the case.<ref name=":5" />
He has also been featured on [[Court TV|CourtTV]] to provide commentary on the Karen Read case and associated felony witness intimidation charges.<ref name=":5" />


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
<references />


{{DEFAULTSORT:Kearney, Aidan}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kearney, Aidan}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1981 births]]
[[Category:Date of birth missing (living people)]]
[[Category:21st-century American journalists]]
[[Category:21st-century American journalists]]
[[Category:American investigative journalists]]
[[Category:American investigative journalists]]
[[Category:University of Massachusetts Amherst alumni]]
[[Category:University of Massachusetts Amherst alumni]]
[[Category:Writers from Worcester, Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Writers from Worcester, Massachusetts]]
[[Category:American bloggers]]
[[Category:American male bloggers]]
[[Category:American male journalists]]
[[Category:21st-century American male writers]]

Latest revision as of 23:10, 9 November 2024

Aidan Kearney
BornDecember 1981 (age 42–43)[1]
Other namesTurtleboy, Clarence Woods Emerson
Alma materUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst
Occupation(s)Journalist, author
Parents
  • Kevin Kearney (father)
  • Mary Mullaney (mother)
Awards
  • Worcester Magazine: Best Local Blog (2015, 2016)
  • Worcester Magazine: Best Local News Source (2017, 2018)
  • The Valley Patriot: First Amendment Award (2018)
Websitetbdailynews.com

Aidan T. Kearney (born December 1981)[1] is an American journalist, blogger, author, and conservative activist, also known as Turtleboy.[2] Kearney is the senior editor of the website and podcast TB Daily News. He gained notoriety for his coverage of an ongoing case regarding the killing of John O'Keefe, a Boston Police officer, and the ensuing prosecution of Karen Read, additionally organizing protests in support of Read.

Early career

[edit]

Kearney is the son of a former attorney and Worcester School Committee member Mary Mullaney and Kevin Kearney. He was raised in Worcester, Massachusetts.[3][4] Kearney attended South High Community School, graduating in 2000.[5] Kearney coached boys varsity track at Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester, circa 2007,[5] and worked as a history teacher at Shepherd Hill Regional High School in Dudley, Massachusetts, for 11 years,[6] until late 2014.[3]

In 2021, Kearney ran for Wachusett Regional School Committee, but was not elected.[7]

Writing career

[edit]

As a hobby, Kearney started an online blog called AidanFromWorcester.com, where he posted on a variety of issues. After he resigned from teaching,[3] Kearney started the supposedly anonymous website, Turtleboy Sports, which he eventually turned into a full-time career.[8] Turtleboy is a nickname for the Burnside Fountain in Worcester, which he began using upon the suggestion of a former student.[9]

As Turtleboy

[edit]

After founding the online publication Turtleboy Sports, Kearney wrote investigative articles anonymously under the pen name Uncle Turtleboy and Clarence Woods Emerson. He grew the site into a team of contributors who contributed articles anonymously under a variety of pseudonyms. In 2015, his identity was unmasked and he began openly using the Turtleboy alias in his writing.[3] He changed the name of his publication to TB Daily News in 2017.[citation needed]

In 2018, Kearney wrote articles about Facebook and Google, citing online censorship. This prompted him to write and publish a book titled, I Am Turtleboy: A Teacher Turned Blogger Battles Big Tech Censorship, Threats, and Political Correctness to Protect Free Speech and Democracy.[10]

In 2019, the American Civil Liberties Union provided legal defense for Kearney in a case against a Rhode Island judge who ordered the removal of “any and all posts, blogs, and comments” regarding a person who sued him for libel. The case cited a violation of the First Amendment.[11]

Investigative reporting

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Massachusetts State Police scandal

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In 2018, Kearney covered alleged misconduct within the Massachusetts State Police regarding a K-9 trooper's history of drug dealing and money laundering.[12] In the early 2000s, the trooper participated in a large scale marijuana business run by her then-live-in boyfriend. The trooper failed to disclose this criminal activity when applying for the State Police, but was uncovered during a testimony against her former boyfriend. The uncovering of this information led the State Police to implementing new background checks and hiring protocols.[13] Because of her criminal history and subsequent dishonorable discharge from the force, cases she participated in during her tenure were called into question. Three District Attorney cases were thrown out due to her involvement.[12]

Kearney was also cited as the first to break news of a Massachusetts state trooper who faced disciplinary actions for including incriminating details in an arrest report concerning a judge's daughter.[14]

Commonwealth vs. Karen Read

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In April 2023, Kearney began covering a Massachusetts woman named Karen Read, who was accused of killing her boyfriend John O'Keefe, a Boston Police officer, by hitting him with her car outside of a home in Canton, Massachusetts, in January 2022. Kearney supported Read's claim that she did not hit O'Keefe and is being framed for his death. He has organized protests in Canton in support of Read, including at related pre-trial hearings, where he coined the phrase "Free Karen Read". The case has garnered national attention as the result of Kearney's coverage of the case in a series called Canton Coverup[2] and due to investigation, into prosecution of the Karen Read case, by the office of U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy.[15]

In December 2023, Kearney was indicted on "eight counts of witness intimidation, three counts of conspiracy to intimidate witnesses, and five counts of picketing a witness" related to the Read case.[1] Initially released on bail, Kearney's bail was revoked after he was accused of assaulting a former girlfriend who had received a summons to appear before a grand jury related to the witness intimidation charges.[16] He spent approximately two months in jail until being released in February 2024, amid new charges of witness intimidation and wiretapping related to the alleged assault of his former girlfriend.[16]

Awards and recognition

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Under the Turtleboy Sports name, Kearney has won four Worcester Magazine Best of Worcester awards, winning Best Local Blog in 2015 and 2016 as well as Best Local News Source in 2017 and 2018. In 2018, Turtleboy was also among five nominees to be selected for The Valley Patriot's First Amendment Award, a designation given to those who have "made a significant difference in holding public officials accountable, fought for transparency in government, and gone above and beyond the call of duty to defend and protect our right of free speech, a free press, freedom of religion, and/or has been a whistle-blower against corruption".[17]

Kearney has been a recurring guest with Howie Carr on The Howie Carr Show.[18][19] Kearney has also been featured on Court TV to provide commentary on the Karen Read case and Kearney's own felony witness intimidation charges related to the investigation of the case.[19]

References

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  1. ^ a b c McColgan, Flint (December 21, 2023). "Karen Read case-focused blogger Turtleboy indicted on 16 counts". Boston Herald. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  2. ^ a b Machado, Jess (January 15, 2024). "Exclusive first interview with Aidan "Turtle Boy" Kearney from jail". Fall River Reporter. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d McFarlane, Clive (March 3, 2015). "Turtleboy blogger unmasked". The Worcester Telegram & Gazette. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  4. ^ "Damian Kearney - Track and Field". Loyola Marymount University Athletics. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  5. ^ a b McFarlane, Clive (November 21, 2007). "Track coach says fix is in for school job". The Worcester Telegram & Gazette. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  6. ^ Ryan, Aidan (March 21, 2024). "Grabbing the spotlight and ruffling feathers". The Boston Globe. p. A9. Retrieved May 23, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
  7. ^ "Town of Holden, Election Results" (PDF). holdenma.gov. May 10, 2021. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
  8. ^ Kearney, Aidan (2018). I Am Turtleboy: A teacher turned blogger battles big tech censorship, threats, and political correctness to protect free speech and democracy. Independently Published (published November 7, 2018). ISBN 978-1730970610.
  9. ^ Elton, Catherine (May 19, 2024). ""Free Karen Read" Blogger Turtleboy Will Not Go Quietly: Controversial Massachusetts blogger Aidan Kearney says he's a confrontational truth teller intent on righting wrongs. Critics, though, say he's a mean-spirited bully. Maybe he's both?". Boston magazine. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  10. ^ Mullaney, Tim. "The tale of Turtleboy and how Facebook stifles free speech". MarketWatch. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  11. ^ "ACLU Defends Blogger Subjected to Court "Gag Order" After He Posted a Blog About Hopkinton Resident". American Civil Liberties Union. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  12. ^ a b "Mass. state trooper with criminal past dishonorably discharged". WCVB. August 25, 2018. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  13. ^ Moulton, Cyrus. "State trooper with drug-dealing past is ousted". The Worcester Telegram & Gazette. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  14. ^ Lips, Evan (February 23, 2018). "TRIALS OF TURTLEBOY: Worcester Blog Takes On Boston Newspapers Over Coverage Of Massachusetts State Police Scandals". NewBostonPost. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  15. ^ Boston Herald (January 23, 2024). "Letters confirm Karen Read murder case under federal investigation". bostonherald.com. Retrieved February 22, 2024.
  16. ^ a b Patkin, Abby (February 23, 2024). "Turtleboy blogger freed from jail, pleads not guilty to new witness intimidation, wiretapping charges". Boston.com. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
  17. ^ Duggan, Tom (March 6, 2018). "Valley Patriot BASH Committee Announces the 2018 Nominees for our 1st Amendment Award". The Valley Patriot. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  18. ^ "TURTLEBOY: "There's a reason they're being investigated by the FBI and I'm not" | 12.20.23 - The Howie Carr Show Hour 4". HCRN. December 21, 2023. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  19. ^ a b "Karen Read Supporter 'Turtleboy' Talks to Court TV". Court TV. Retrieved January 23, 2024.