Massachusetts State Police Photographer Who Leaked Boston Bomber Photos Disciplined

He acted and now he's facing the consequences.

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Complex Original

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The Massachusetts State Police tactical photographer who leaked images showing Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev during his April arrest has been placed on restricted duty. According to Sgt. Sean Murphy, he released 14 images of a bloodied Tsarnaev to the public in response to Rolling Stone's decision to place Tsarnaev on the cover. Unfortunately for Murphy, he did not have authorization to share the photographs. 

Murphy was suspended for one day without pay after the leak, but he was placed on desk duty today following a status hearing and pending further investigation. While some defended Murphy's actions, believing that he was trying to remind the public of who Tsarnaev really is as opposed to someone teenage girls salivate over. Regardless, the U.S. Attorney's office called his actions "completely unacceptable." 

In a statement to Boston magazine, Murphy said that the Rolling Stone cover was insulting. "This guy is evil," he said. "This is the real Boston bomber. Not someone fluffed and buffed for the cover of Rolling Stone magazine," he added, referring to the leaked photos. 

The 20-year-old Tsarnaev was charged with 30 counts for the Apr. 15 incident that injured 260 people and killed three. He was also charged for the shooting death of MIT police officer Sean Collier. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Rolling Stone's editors have defended the controversial cover.

[via Associated Press]

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