Worcester state Rep. David LeBoeuf, who was charged with drunken driving after Massachusetts State Police found nine empty nip bottles and two cans of wine in his car following reports of an “erratic” driver on Interstate 93 in Quincy, has issued a second statement following his arrest.
In his latest statement, the 32-year-old state representative said he is still working as “your state representative” and that his office is “fully functioning to advocate for your legislative priorities on Beacon Hill and [sic] make sure every resident of the 17th Worcester District has continued access to the high-quality consistent service they deserve.”
LeBoeuf said he immediately attended in-patient treatment following his April 26 arrest to address his substance use and has been attending a long-term outpatient program.
“I do not think it is possible to express in words how deeply sorry I am for my egregious lapse in judgment that resulted in an OUI last month, and how it has impacted the community,” LeBouef wrote in a statement. “I am thankful there were no injuries and recognize the pain I have caused my family, friends and constituents. I own this incident, and it is something I will regret for the rest of my life.”
LeBoeuf, who is running for re-election, said one of his biggest regrets is not addressing his addiction sooner.
When arrested, LeBoeuf’s blood-alcohol content was four times the legal limit — at 0.32 — according to a breathalyzer taken at the State Police barracks, a police report notes. The legal limit is 0.08.
Police caught up with the 32-year-old state representative, who was driving a black Ford SUV, near the Quincy Adams T Station on Burgin Parkway just before 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26 — less than two hours after the House budget debate wrapped up for the day. Two callers had dialed 911 to report an erratic driver traveling on the expressway in Milton toward Interstate 3 in Quincy.
LeBoeuf’s stopped car “appeared to be disabled and smoking,” according to a police report. The SUV’s front tire was missing and police noted the rim appeared to be damaged from “grinding on the pavement.”
Troopers who approached noted a “strong odor of alcohol” emanating from LeBoeuf’s person, a report states.
Troopers conducting a field sobriety test noted LeBoeuf was “unable to follow instructions” and “was extremely unsteady on his feet.”
“Troopers stopped the test for safety reasons,” the report states. He was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving and taken to the State Police barracks in South Boston.
Police found evidence of alcohol consumption during a search of LeBoeuf’s vehicle.
“Troopers found nine empty nip bottles in the rear of the vehicle and two cans of wine in the front cupholders, one empty and the other half full,” the report states.
On April 28, LeBoeuf tweeted out an apology and called the incident a “Desperate wake up call.”
LeBoeuf said he realizes he will have to work extensively to rebuild people’s trust.
“I am committed to doing that,” he wrote. “I love this community and the district I represent, and hope I will be judged by the totality of my character. This office is not just a job for me; it is a vocation of service.”
LeBoeuf was arraigned in Quincy District Court on Wednesday, April 27 on charges of operating under the influence, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and marked lanes violation. He was released on personal recognizance and is due back in court on June 28 for a pre-trial hearing.
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