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Everett official on leave after drunk driving charge, his fourth arrest in two years
Assistant City Solicitor Keith Slattery is accused of drunkenly rear-ending another car in Peabody last month. It’s not his first brush with the law.
An Everett city official is facing charges after authorities allege he drunkenly rear-ended a Jeep last month and fled the scene — his fourth arrest in about two years.
Assistant City Solicitor Keith P. Slattery, 53, was allegedly slurring his speech and became “abusive” toward a police officer who administered field sobriety tests after the July 22 Peabody crash, according to a police report filed in court.
“You’re stuttering, and I’m going to prosecute you because I’m a lawyer,” Slattery purportedly told the officer, who alleged Slattery blew 0.208% during a preliminary breath test to gauge his blood alcohol concentration.
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Slattery has been charged with operating under the influence – second offense, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of property damage, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and an inspection sticker violation. At the time of the collision, which happened around 9 p.m., he held a hardship license that only allowed him to drive between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
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“Mr. Slattery is presumed innocent and will challenge the opinions of the officers that brought the charges,” defense attorney Carmine Lepore said in an emailed statement. Slattery did not respond to a request for comment. His arrest was first reported by The Boston Globe.
According to police, the driver of the Jeep involved in the collision told officers Slattery’s Nissan Altima approached at a high rate of speed and struck his car from behind on Route 1 in Peabody. The Jeep driver alleged Slattery drove off and continued onto Lowell Street, blowing through a stop sign in the process. Both drivers declined medical attention.
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The officer who administered Slattery’s field sobriety tests reported his breath smelled of alcohol and said he found it “frustrating asking him simple questions.”
“When I told him to do the walk and turn [test], I stuttered my words, and he insulted me by saying, ‘Say it again, say it again, you do the test yourself,’” the officer wrote in his report. The officer also alleged Slattery fumbled his way through part of the alphabet before giving up.
Other patrolmen who responded to the scene helped restrain Slattery, one of them describing him as “disorderly and uncooperative.” Slattery refused a breath test at booking, which triggered the suspension of his license, according to police reports filed in court.
Last month’s collision wasn’t Slattery’s first brush with the law; at the time, he was still on probation in a 2024 OUI case out of Dracut. Slattery was also twice accused of assault and battery on a family member in separate incidents in 2023 and 2024. He pleaded not guilty in both cases, and the charges were later dismissed.
On the civil side, Slattery joined forces with City Solicitor Colleen Mejia and Chief Financial Officer Eric Demas in a 2022 defamation lawsuit against the editor and publishers of local newspaper The Everett Leader Herald. While that case remains pending, the newspaper shut down its operations after settling a separate lawsuit with embattled Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria for $1.1 million.
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Court records indicate Slattery was initially sent to Middlesex County House of Correction for an alleged probation violation in connection with the July 22 crash, then released on orders to abstain from alcohol and driving. His probation violation hearing is scheduled for Sept. 5.
In the meantime, Slattery has been out on leave from his job in Everett since July 25. Erin C. Deveney, DeMaria’s chief of staff, said in a statement the city is aware of Slattery’s arrest but is limited in its public comments “due to the confidential nature of personnel matters.” She did not immediately respond to follow-up questions about whether Slattery’s leave is paid.
“This situation serves as a reminder that substance use disorders can impact individuals in every walk of life, regardless of profession, background, or status,” Deveney said. “We recognize the seriousness of these issues and remain committed to fostering a supportive community where those facing challenges can access help and resources.”
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