'Desperate Wakeup Call': LeBoeuf Speaks Out After OUI Arrest

Worcester MA

28 April, 2022

1:33 PM

Description

WORCESTER, MA — Democratic state Rep. David LeBoeuf on Thursday afternoon spoke out about his drunken driving arrest this week, admitting that he was an addiction that needs to be treated. State police pulled LeBoeuf around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday driving along I-93 near Quincy. Troopers found him riding on three tires, and later found two cans of wine and a handful of empty nip liquor bottles in his SUV, police said. In a series of tweets Thursday, LeBoeuf apologized for the incident, and asked for space for his family, and for him to get treatment. "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. "I struggle 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. I've tried to manage my sobriety on my own, and this is a desperate wake-up call that I need further support." LeBoeuf is up for reelection to the 17th Worcester seat in 2022, and appeared to be cruising toward reelection with no challengers from either party in the field. But after Tuesday's incident — which came about 90 minutes after the House passed its version of the state budget — several Worcester Democrats began considering a run for the seat. Worcester Human Rights Commission member Guillermo Creamer told Politico he's considering a run, just a few weeks after deciding not to challenge LeBoeuf. The state Republican party also mocked LeBoeuf after the arrest, and called for an investigation by the state Attorney General. Following an arraignment Wednesday on the OUI charge, House Speaker Ron Mariano stood behind LeBoeuf, saying he would support the 32-year-old in his journey toward sobriety. "Driving under the influence is a dangerous and often deadly mistake, and I am deeply relieved that no one was injured in this instance. I have been assured by Representative LeBoeuf that he will be seeking help and I will support him on his path to recovery," Mariano said.