Watertown’s John Lawn, State Representative for the westside of Watertown, said “I am deeply sorry,” in a statement following his arrest on Wednesday for driving under the influence of alcohol and leaving the scene of property damage.
Lawn pleaded not guilty at an arraignment in Boston Municipal Court Thursday, and was released on personal recognizance, according to a report by NBC 10 Boston, and will return for a pretrial hearing on Aug. 1.
On Wednesday, Lawn sent a statement through his attorney saying, “I deeply regret and take full responsibility for my actions. What happened was completely unacceptable. I make no excuses. I am committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again. To my family, friends, and constituents, I have let you down, and for that I am deeply sorry.”
A Boston Police report said that at 1:17 a.m on July 16 a witness flagged down officers after seeing an SUV strike a parked pickup truck on Hancock Street in Boston, near the State House, and then drive away, NBC 10 Boston reported.
According to a report by WBZ Channel 4, the Police report said witnesses heard a loud bang and an SUV that had struck a parked vehicle trying to back up. The SUV was seen running two stop signs.
The police report said Lawn had a strong odor of alcohol, glassy and bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and was unsteady on his feet, according to a report by WCVB Channel 5. Lawn told police he was a state representative and was coming from an event at the State House.
Police arrested Lawn at 1:45 a.m. and took him to the Nashua Street Jail, according NBC 10.
Lawn was first elected to the 10th Middlesex seat in 2011 and represents parts of Watertown (precincts 9-12), Waltham, and Newton. The Democrat chairs the Committee on Health Care Financing.
House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano said in a statement that he was “very disappointed to learn of this news,” according to WBZ.
“Driving under the influence is an incredibly dangerous and often deadly mistake, and I am relieved that no one was injured in this particular instance,” Mariano said. “Representative Lawn has told me that he takes full responsibility for this egregious lapse in judgment, and that he will work to ensure that something like this does not happen again.”
MassGOP spokesman Mark Steffen called for Lan to resign in a statement Thursday.
“Wednesday’s arrest is another example of Beacon Hill Democrats using their titles to try and avoid punishment. By declaring himself a lawmaker at the time of his arrest, it’s clear Rep. Lawn sought to escape the consequences of his actions,” Steffen wrote. “He should resign and offer the residents of Watertown the chance to elect a new representative who doesn’t ask officers to look the other way when he allegedly breaks the law.”
John has taken responsibility for what he did and is accepting the consequences. His political future is up to him and the voters in his district. For the MassGOP to call on him to resign while vocally support the convicted felon and civilly liable sexual assaulter Donald Trump is more hypocrisy that anyone should ever have to endure.
Even a broken clock is right twice a day. In my personal experience, state ethics training *specifically* calls out that trying to use one’s office to get out of a police encounter is unethical. Just because the other side is hypocritical doesn’t mean that we need to lower our own standards.
Matt, the Watertown Republican Committee Chair. If I thought John Lawn tried to use his office to get special treatment, I’d be calling for his resignation. According to the report, he simply mentioned he was a State Rep and was coming from the State House. He also said; rather take an uber home. Given his plea today, I don’t think he was trying to use his office to get out of his situation. The report also said, when he was asked to take a breathalyzer, he said he’d rather take an uber home. The guy was drunk. I don’t think he had the presence of mind to try and talk his way out it.
I’ve known since he was in high school. He used to come into Store 24 every morning, as my shift was ending and read the magazines. I used to throw his butt out and tell him it wasn’t library. He never gave me lip back. He’d put the magazine back on the rack and leave. Where other kids would wize off.
I disagree with him on almost every policy. If a Republican ran against him, I’d vote the Republican. But as man, I respect him and given the facts I’ve seen, don’t think he was trying to get out the situation. Otherwise, he would have and could have fought the charge and decided to use strings to make it all go away after the case would be conveniently delayed. That’s how these things are handled when a Politico wants abuse his office.
We all know that Democrats would NEVER suggest that a GOP representative resign if caught DUI, right?
Paul, for once we agree in part on an issue. The MA-GOP leadership should spend its time recruiting candidates to run for the State Legislature, not asking someone to resign for 1st incident like this. We don’t expect a doctor to resign for his or her first OUI or other arrest. And I’m not making light of of drunk driving. Further you know my political views.
That said; using this incident to take a shot at Trump is also taking a tragic incident in making it political.
Steffen should keep quiet. It’s not like the GOP is a model of decorum and behavior. Mr Lawn has represented his district well and is a much needed voice in the State House and on the CHCF. I believe Mr Lawn just won an award for his work.
I believe that Mr Lawn should NOT resign. Furthermore, what is the GOP standard when it comes to personal behavior and ethics? Would Steffen agree that this standard should also be applied on the Federal level? If this is the Standard Steffen wants to use then shouldn’t convicted felons resign as well?
Just sayin.
Just resign. It will be the sober thing to do.
Another “Do you know who I am” routine that went nowhere.
We all make mistakes and this seems like a one time event. Rep Lawn cares about his community and has done a nice job over the years. Let’s all encourage him to learn from this and not happen again and get back to work for all of us.
It’s no secret that I’ve had many policy disagreements with John Lawn. That said; I know him to be family man who lives for his wife, children, and the rest of his family. John has been serving the community as sees best for years. I’ve had long conversations with him about policy. I may disagree with his solutions. But I’ve alway walked away from those conversations believing his motivation was compassion. More often than not, we want the same ends, but radically disagree with the means.
So first of all, I’m grateful to God, no one was hurt, including John. Secondly, I accept his apology and believe his regret is sincere. Thirdly, I call on all of us that know him, you pledge our support in helping make the changes in his life that are necessary. Finally, I would invite people of good will to join in praying John and his family.
No one should drive drunk
I agree with Mark Ford. Rep Lawn made a very public mistake and of course regrets what he did. He has made a very public apology. He will have to give up driving for a time and go to alcohol education classes. And he will be an example to all- once again – that drinking and driving don’t mix. He is in the process of making amends. He will be thankful for the rest of his life that he didn’t harm anyone else. I will vote for him.
Driving drunk or under any substance is irresponsible and dangerous. Full stop. State Representative Lawn made a very bad decision and should never repeat it. He should be punished according to the law, whether that is losing his driver’s license or whatever a judge deems just and appropriate. He also needs to apologize to all the organizations that he has supported with his legislative decisions. He has done great work there, and they rely on him to be better.
I know he wouldn’t forgive himself if a person was injured or killed rather than just property. He is very lucky in that respect. I am glad he took responsibility by pleading guilty and not lawyering up. Many men in power should be doing the same thing. Let’s let the legal system adjudicate this rather than the media circus.