LYNN — James Martin Welsh III, 52, of Beverly, was arrested by the Swampscott Police Department Tuesday for operating under the influence of intoxicating liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, and possessing an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.
Welsh officiated the first quarter of a sub-varsity basketball game when bystanders believed he might be under the influence of alcohol.
According to witnesses, another referee told Welsh he should not continue. When Welsh reached the Swampscott High School parking lot, he attempted to start his vehicle as parents and others looked on and an individual stopped him from leaving the parking lot. When police arrived, they took his keys and observed containers of alcohol in the car.
The case is scheduled for arraignment March 2 in Lynn District Court.
Welsh was arrested Jan. 10, 2020 by the Ipswich Police Department for operating under the influence of intoxicating liquor, resisting arrest, and possessing an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.
He was arraigned Wednesday and bail was set at $1,500 cash. He is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing March 5 in Ipswich District Court.
