Charlestown Lawyer Involved in Boating Accident Gets Charges Reduced

A judge has reduced the charges against a Charlestown lawyer who was said to be present when a 19-year-old woman lost her arm in a boating accident, according to a statement released Friday.

Benjamin Urbelis, 33, had been previously charged with causing serious bodily injury while operating a boat under the influence.

At the request of Assistant District Attorney Nicole Rimar, Judge Thomas Hogan reduced that charge to a straight OUI. The change comes in wake of recent developments in the investigation.

Officials learned Thursday Alexander Williams, of Boston, was allegedly at the helm of Urbelis’ boat when the teenager lost her arm by way of a spinning propeller.

In addition to the OUI charge, Urbelis still faces charges for negligent operation of a boat and operating a motorboat without a registration number.

Multiple underage woman were aboard the boat “Naught Guilty” when the accident occurred on the evening of May 30.

Urbelis will next be due in court on July 31.