The lead Massachusetts State Police investigator whose text messages played an embarrassing role in the first murder trial of Karen Read could face permanent discipline during a court hearing Wednesday.

Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor has been suspended without pay since July. A hearing Wednesday could determine his fate.

After the closed hearing, the State Police Trial Board will make disciplinary recommendations to Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, the head of the State Police, officials have said.

Proctor, the lead investigator assigned to the death of Read’s Boston police officer boyfriend John O’Keefe, was relieved of his duty this past summer following a mistrial in the Read case and his last day with the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office followed soon thereafter.

Suspended Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor may learn his fate on Wednesday. Proctor was the lead investigator in the Karen Read Murder case and is facing allegations of misconduct. Proctor is currently suspended from the State Police since last July.