David Perry, a prominent attorney and long-time figure in Boston’s recovery community, built a reputation as a symbol of redemption. After battling his own substance abuse issues, Perry shared his recovery journey publicly, inspiring others with his story of transformation. However, recent criminal charges have cast a shadow over his past achievements, sparking serious concerns about the operation of his sober home, Recovery Education Services (RES), located in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood.
The 34-count indictment filed against Perry by the Massachusetts Attorney General accuses him of offering legal services and pharmaceuticals in exchange for sex with residents of his sober home. The allegations have sent shockwaves through the recovery community, with many expressing disappointment and concern. According to the indictment, Perry also allegedly provided false letters to probation officials in exchange for drugs, money, and sexual favors. While Perry denies all charges, the accusations have raised pressing questions about the regulation and oversight of sober homes in Massachusetts.
Some members of Boston’s recovery community are not surprised by the allegations, suggesting that Perry’s case highlights a broader issue: the need for stricter control and mandatory certification for sober homes. Currently, Massachusetts law allows sober homes to operate without certification unless they voluntarily choose to undergo the process. Only about 20% of sober homes in the state are certified, leaving many, like Perry’s, unregulated and vulnerable to abuse.
Uncertified Sober Homes in Massachusetts and the Oversight Gap
Certification of sober homes in Massachusetts is overseen by the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH), a state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) which enforces strict safety and operational standards for sober living environments. Accredited homes undergo third-party inspections and are required to maintain a clean, supportive atmosphere for residents in recovery. Unfortunately, uncertified sober homes are not held to the same standards, and some, like RES, operate with little oversight.
Timothy Ostman, a former resident of RES, echoed concerns about the lack of accountability in these homes. He, along with several other former residents who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed many of the charges in Perry’s indictment. According to Ostman, residents are often too afraid to report abusive conditions in sober homes, as they are frequently mandated to live in these homes as part of their probation or in order to regain custody of their children.
“We felt trapped,” said Ostman. “You don’t want to risk getting kicked out, especially when there are so few options for housing and your whole future depends on staying sober.”
These sentiments underscore the growing need for more oversight of sober homes, especially those not certified by MASH. While MASH-certified homes are known to offer structured, supportive environments, uncertified homes can escape scrutiny, often leading to substandard conditions.
Certification is voluntary in Massachusetts, so a sober home can operate without it. Before you or a loved one sign a residency agreement, ask whether the home is MASH certified and confirm it with MASH directly.
Perry’s Story of Redemption: Now in Question
Before his legal troubles, Perry’s story was one of personal triumph. After decades of struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, he was arrested in 2001 during a federal narcotics raid. That arrest, which he described as a “direct hit,” forced him to confront his addiction. Perry served five years of probation and used the experience to transform his life, dedicating himself to helping others struggling with substance abuse. His recovery journey was so powerful that in 2014, the Massachusetts Bar Board of Overseers reinstated his law license, with U.S. District Court Judge Mark Wolf praising Perry for his contributions to the recovery community.
Perry became a regular speaker at Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings and recovery conferences, often sharing his message of hope with others. At one event, Perry reflected on his past, stating, “If you’re one of those people suffering in sobriety, if you’re wondering if this ‘church basement, shoot-me-now’ feeling is going to end, just reach out. We’ll show you how to do this.”
Yet, the recent charges suggest that his professional comeback may have been hiding darker practices. Residents claim that Perry’s sober home became a place where vulnerable people were exploited for sex and drugs, tarnishing his once-celebrated redemption story.
Massachusetts Sober Home Regulation After the Perry Case
The case against Perry has amplified calls for greater regulation of sober homes across Massachusetts. The 2014 law that created MASH’s certification process was a step forward, but since certification remains voluntary, uncertified homes continue to operate without mandatory inspections or adherence to set standards. This has left many homes in a regulatory gray area, often to the detriment of their residents.
Although some addiction treatment facilities, like Bournewood in Brookline, had previously referred patients to Perry’s sober home, they ceased their relationship with RES earlier this year. Bournewood’s CEO, Marcia Fowler, explained that they stopped referring patients after concerns arose about RES’s ability to provide a safe, sober environment. While Fowler expressed her commitment to finding safe housing for patients post-treatment, she highlighted the challenges of securing enough high-quality, certified sober homes in the state.
In light of the allegations, Massachusetts lawmakers are now considering ways to strengthen the oversight of sober homes, particularly ensuring that licensed addiction treatment programs only refer patients to certified sober homes. Senator John Keenan, a member of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery, acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting that federal housing regulations complicate efforts to enforce stricter standards. However, he emphasized that the state must do more to ensure that substandard sober homes do not continue to operate.
Marie Graves, the former Executive Director of MASH, reinforced the importance of certification, stating, “What our sober homes do is provide a safe, sober environment for support and recovery. We don’t provide treatment; we let the professionals do that. We have standards and operate with integrity.”
As of now, MASH has certified over 160 sober homes across Massachusetts, providing more than 2,000 beds. However, Graves noted that while many uncertified homes operate well, certification offers peace of mind to both residents and referral sources, ensuring that homes meet important safety and ethical standards.
Perry’s case underscores the need for stronger oversight for sober homes in Massachusetts. Lawmakers will likely explore ways to expand certification requirements, increase inspections, and ensure that all sober homes, certified or not, provide safe, supportive environments for people in recovery.
Read next Choosing the Right Sober Living HomeIf you or a loved one are seeking a certified sober living environment, Vanderburgh Sober Living is here to help. Our MASH-certified homes provide the structure and support needed for lasting recovery. Learn more about our certified sober homes and start your recovery journey today!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sober Home Oversight in Massachusetts
What happened in the David Perry sober home case?
In May 2018, the Massachusetts Attorney General announced 34 counts against David Perry, who ran Recovery Education Services in Roxbury. In October 2019, he pleaded guilty to charges including evidence tampering, drug conspiracy, and sex for fee, and was sentenced to two and a half years in jail plus probation.
Is sober home certification required in Massachusetts?
No. Under Massachusetts law, certification of alcohol and drug free housing is voluntary, so an uncertified sober home can still operate. Since September 2016, however, state agencies and their treatment vendors may refer people only to certified homes, which gives operators a strong reason to seek certification.
Who certifies sober homes in Massachusetts?
The Bureau of Substance Addiction Services administers the state’s voluntary certification program, and the Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH) carries out certification. MASH is the state affiliate of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences and adapted national NARR standards into Massachusetts certification standards for sober homes.
How can I check whether a Massachusetts sober home is certified?
State law requires the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services to publish a list of certified alcohol and drug free housing, update it regularly, and post it online. MASH also keeps a database of certified homes. Before signing a residency agreement, confirm a home’s status with MASH directly rather than relying on its advertising.
What does certification change for sober home residents?
Certified homes agree to follow written standards based on national NARR guidelines covering the recovery environment, peer support, and resident safety, and they answer to MASH for ongoing accountability. Uncertified homes face no comparable outside review, which is why referral sources and families often look for certification first.
Research & Sources
- Foote, H. T. (2026). Vanderburgh Sober Living Operating Climate Index, 2026 edition. Vanderburgh Sober Living. https://www.vanderburghhouse.com/research/operating-climate-index-2026/
- Dorchester Reporter. (2018, May 24). Arrest raises new concerns about abuse at sober homes. Dorchester Reporter. https://www.dotnews.com/2018/05/24/arrest-raises-new-concerns-about-abuse-sober-homes/
- Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing. (n.d.). About us. https://mashsoberhousing.org/about-us/
- Massachusetts General Court. (n.d.). General Laws, Part I, Title II, Chapter 17, Section 18A: Voluntary training and accreditation program for operators of alcohol and drug free housing. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter17/Section18A
- Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General. (2018, May 10). Lawyer who runs sober home charged in connection with supplying drugs to recovering substance users for sex [Press release]. https://www.mass.gov/news/lawyer-who-runs-sober-home-charged-in-connection-with-supplying-drugs-to-recovering-substance-users-for-sex
- Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General. (2019, October 2). Lawyer who ran sober home pleads guilty, sentenced to jail in connection with supplying drugs to recovering substance users for sex [Press release]. https://www.mass.gov/news/lawyer-who-ran-sober-home-pleads-guilty-sentenced-to-jail-in-connection-with-supplying-drugs
