Boston City Councilor Kendra Lara arraigned on charges in crash that left her son injured

BOSTON — Boston City Councilor Kendra Lara was arraigned Wednesday on charges in connection with a crash in Jamaica Plain that left her son injured and caused serious damage to a home.

During a magistrate hearing, a judge in the West Roxbury Division of Boston Municipal Court agreed with a recommendation from prosecutors that Lara should face additional charges in connection with the June crash, including operating negligently so as to endanger and recklessly permitting bodily injury to a child under 14.

“I was a bit surprised by those [additional charges] but we are ready to respond to all of them,” said Carl Williams, Lara’s defense attorney.

“I want to be fully accountable for my mistake and I plan to do everything possible to remedy the issues,” said Lara.

A short while later, Lara appeared before the same judge for her arraignment. The judge ordered her not to operate a vehicle without a license and not to drive without a license, warning that any violation could result in detention for up to 60 days.

Lara is also charged with driving a car with a suspended license. Plus, the car she was driving was unregistered and uninsured.

As court proceedings play out, another Boston City Councilor is calling for changes to make sure something like this doesn’t happen again.

“I want to make sure going forward all city councilors and their staff have a valid driver’s license when they park in a city garage,” said Ed Flynn, a Boston City Councilor.

Flynn is calling for parking policy changes at City Hall after his fellow councilor allegedly crashed into a home while driving without a valid license.

Flynn says all city employees and elected officials should have to submit proof of a valid driver’s license as well as insurance and registration for the car they’re parking at City Hall.

“I think it’s a basic matter of consistency across the board,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “It was very clear it was time to tighten up some of these procedures, I remember when I was a councilor, we were asked to provide more documentation to have that parking permit and that parking sticker.”

City Councilor calling for change ahead of Kendra Lara's court appearance

Lara crashed into a home in Jamaica Plain on June 30. According to police, she was driving more than double the 25 mph speed limit.

Police say her 7-year-old son was also not properly restrained in a booster seat, and he had to go to the hospital with injuries.

Georgia Kalogerakis, who lives in the home that Lara struck, said the impact of the crash cracked her foundation. She’s also grateful no one was hurt, as her grandchildren often play out front.

“She should acknowledge her actions,” Kalogerakis said. “We have to be responsible for our actions.”

“There has been no acknowledgment on her part of her actions. No contact. No indication of remorse,” Kalogerakis continued.

Prior to entering court to face the charges against her, Lara took some time to issue a statement to reporters who were gathered outside.

“I just want to reiterate that I am wanting to be fully accountable for my mistake and I plan on doing everything possible to remedy any issues,” Lara said. “I know that as an elected official I need to hold myself to a higher standard and I attend to do that.”

Councilor Lara gave another brief statement after appearing in court.  “My commitment right now and my focus is continuing to represent my constituents and representing them the best way I can,” said Lara. Lara would not answer our question about whether she believes she can effectively represent her constituents.

After the court arraignment, Lara was at the weekly city council meeting at one point supporting a city speed limit initiative for parkways in the city. There were some people at court calling for Lara to resign but she made it clear that is not her plan. Lara is scheduled to be back on court on August 16th.

Boston City Councilor Lara arrives at court for hearing on charges in connection with crash

In a previous statement, Lara said in part, “We’re all accountable for our actions, and I’m no different, so I offer my sincerest apologies to everyone, especially the people of D6. As your Councilor, I will continue to steward our collective vision at City Hall and work hard to earn and maintain your trust.”

Boston 25 News asked Flynn whether Lara should resign.

“I’d rather let that court date play out and give us a better understanding of where she stands within the court system,” said Flynn.

According to her driving record, Lara has had at least six other violations over the last decade.

Lara is due back in court in August.

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