THE STATE REPRESENTATIVE arrested Tuesday for drunk driving apologized on Thursday and pledged to seek treatment for his addiction.
Rep. David LeBoeuf, a Worcester Democrat, wrote in a public statement on Twitter, “I am deeply sorry for my egregious lapse in judgment. I am thankful there were no injuries and recognize the pain I have caused my family, friends, and community. I am not making excuses and will work extensively to rebuild people’s trust.”
LeBoeuf wrote that he struggles with addiction “and am committed to getting the treatment necessary so that I can be my best self again.”
“I ask that you respect my family’s privacy so I can work on my recovery and continue to provide services to my district,” LeBoeuf wrote. “I’ve tried to manage my sobriety on my own, and this is a desperate wake-up call that I need further support.”
LeBoeuf was stopped by the police while driving erratically Tuesday evening, an hour and a half after the House wrapped up its budget debate. According to the police, he smelled of alcohol and was unable to perform field sobriety tests. He consented to a breath test and had a blood alcohol level over 0.3, nearly four times the legal limit. The police found wine and empty nip bottles in his car.
House Speaker Ron Mariano said Wednesday that he had been assured by LeBoeuf that he will be seeking help and added, “I will support him on his path to recovery.”
LeBoeuf is not the first lawmaker arrested for drunk driving. State Sen. Michael Brady was arrested for drunk driving in 2018, and he admitted in court in 2019 that the police had enough evidence to secure a conviction. The Senate stripped Brady of his committee chairmanship after an Ethics Committee report found he tried to improperly use his status as a senator by telling the officer who stopped him that he was a senator. Brady too apologized and entered treatment for alcoholism.
LeBoeuf does not hold any House leadership positions.