BOSTON, April 29, 2014—A thrice-convicted drunk driver was arraigned yesterday after Boston Police arrested him for allegedly driving drunk and engaging in sex for a fee, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said.

PAUL GRIFFIN (D.O.B. 1/29/66) of West Roxbury was charged in Roxbury District Court with operating under the influence of liquor as a fourth offense, paying for sexual conduct, operating with a license suspended for OUI, operating without insurance, and a license plate violation.  He was released on his own recognizance.

According to prosecutors, Griffin was convicted in Suffolk County of operating under the influence of alcohol in 1990 and 1995 and had a case charging the same offense continued without a finding in 1984.

Assistant District Attorney Caitlin Fitzgerald told the court that Boston Police officers shortly before 1:00 a.m. on Saturday were patrolling the area of Blue Hill Avenue and Woodcliff Street, which is known for prostitution.  Police observed a woman run from a bus shelter into a green Dodge Caravan that officers determined had a revoked registration.  As a result, they followed the vehicle to a desolate and poorly lit area on Woodbine Street, where officers found the two engaged in sexual activity.

When asked for his license and registration, Griffin allegedly told police that he had neither. Officers detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle as Griffin spoke and observed that he had glassy eyes and slurred speech, prosecutors said.  When asked to exit the vehicle, Griffin appeared unsteady on his feet and had to hold onto the vehicle to keep his balance.

In statements to the officers, Griffin allegedly said that they couldn’t arrest him because “the car wasn’t running.” Asked how the vehicle had gotten to its current location, Griffin allegedly said “someone drove the car here.”

Officers discovered that Griffin’s driver’s license had been suspended after a 2012 arrest for drunk driving in New Hampshire.  They also found that the vehicle’s plates were registered to another individual and were improperly attached to Griffin’s van, prosecutors said.

Griffin was transported the District B2 station, where he allegedly refused a Breathalyzer test.

The woman accompanying Griffin was identified as a 25-year-old homeless woman who was known to police.  She allegedly stated that Griffin had approached and propositioned her. She was summonsed to appear in Roxbury District Court at a later date.

Griffin is represented by attorney Sara Atalay.  He will return to court on June 26.

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All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.