Leslie Woodson Snell, a planning director for the wealthy Massachusetts island of Nantucket, was arrested for driving under the influence in April, with bodycam footage revealing her slurring words and having multiple open cans of White Claw in her vehicle. The arrest occurred after Snell crashed a Jeep SUV into a street sign. A passerby alerted officers to the driver's apparent confusion.
According to the police report, Officer Samantha Voltolini observed that Snell had “glassy, bloodshot eyes” and detected a “strong odor of alcoholic beverage emanating from her breath” and the vehicle. When questioned about her alcohol consumption at a nearby restaurant, Snell stated she had only had “a couple drinks” but struggled to recall her address. Officers found an open bottle of vodka in the backseat and several open White Claw cans in the center console and driver's side door.
Snell failed multiple field sobriety tests and refused a breathalyzer at the precinct. She was arraigned on April 21 and subsequently reached a plea deal, agreeing to forfeit her driver's license for 45 days, complete a driver alcohol education program, and pay $600 in court fees. In June, Snell issued a statement acknowledging the event and accepting responsibility.
The incident gained further attention when the Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Commission (NP&EDC) unanimously voted to renew Snell's contract in late June, months after her arrest. Snell has held her position for two decades. While officials initially suggested no pay raise, her new contract reportedly includes a one-time payment of $7,829, in addition to her base salary of $195,520, representing a 4% increase. Snell earns over $200,000 annually.
Snell's tenure has been previously marked by controversy. The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office previously found the NP&EDC violated the state's Open Meeting Law during her hiring process. A former building inspector, Stephen Butler, alleged he faced disciplinary action and was forced out in 2018 after questioning Snell's processes. Butler's wife, Karla, also accused Snell of creating a toxic work environment and attempting to improperly influence permit decisions. Snell has denied these allegations, characterizing them as personal attacks aimed at discrediting her professional reputation.