Aide to governor is charged with drunk driving in Brookline

By John M. Guilfoil, Globe Staff

A top adviser to Governor Deval Patrick was arrested early Sunday on drunk driving charges.

Ron Bell, the governor’s Senior Advisor for Community Affairs, was pulled over in Brookline at 3:30 a.m. for failing to maintain his lane on Boylston Street, police said.

Bell was charged with operating under the influence, speeding, and marked lanes violations, said David Traub, a spokesman for the Norfolk district attorney’s office. Bell pleaded not guilty Monday in Brookline District Court and was released on personal recognizance.

An attorney for Bell did not immediately return a call tonight seeking comment.

Bell has been placed on unpaid leave, said Alex Goldstein, Patrick’s press secretary.

“These are serious allegations,” Goldstein said. “While Mr. Bell has denied the charges, he has been placed on unpaid leave.”

Bell had a smell of alcohol on him and was arrested after he failed sobriety tests, officials said.

Bell makes about $98,000 per year working for the governor, according to public records.

This is Bell’s first OUI charge, Traub said.

John Guilfoil can be reached at jguilfoil@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @globe_guilfoil.