Thursday, February 13, 2025

Massachusetts Sheriff Takes Responsibility for DUI Arrest and Fallout

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Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi faced legal troubles and job-related fallout after cops arrested him on September 21, 2024, at MGM Springfield

Beloved Sheriff Nick Cocchi Charged with Drunk Driving at Casino Incident

The beloved Massachusetts sheriff was charged with drunk driving after he drove a state-owned vehicle, which was missing a tire, to the casino, reported local news outlet MassLive. Police reports say Cocchi left the SUV running in the valet area before he went inside the casino for about 40 minutes. When he came back, state troopers were waiting to confront him. At first, Cocchi said he was not driving, but later, he admitted he was behind the wheel.

The sheriff’s arrest report detailed Cocchi’s Ford Explorer with police license plates missing its right front tire and showing heavy damage to the rim. People at the casino saw the sheriff stumble as he arrived. When officers asked him questions, Cocchi said he had played golf earlier at Springfield Country Club where he drank a couple of beers. Officers noted his slurred speech and bloodshot glassy eyes. Cocchi said no to field sobriety tests and would not take a breathalyzer test, which led to his driver’s license being suspended.

The court resolved the sheriff’s legal case. Cocchi pleaded to sufficient facts for an OUI charge on September 23. This led to a year’s probation, a $600 fine, and a 45-day driver’s license suspension. The court also told him to finish an alcohol education course. Beyond these legal consequences, the sheriff’s office suspended Cocchi for three days without pay. A spokesperson for the sheriff’s office said that Cocchi’s lost wages during this time were more than the cost to fix the damaged vehicle. Cocchi took his punishment without complaint.

Even after the incident, Cocchi keeps his job as sheriff. He apologized to everyone owning up to what he did. He admitted he did not live up to the high bar he set for himself and his team. He felt bad about what happened but stressed that he takes responsibility for his actions. So far, the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission, which watches over law enforcement in Massachusetts, has not taken any more steps to discipline Cocchi.

Cocchi’s future in his job is not clear yet. The sheriff’s office let the POST Commission know about what happened within two work days, but it is not certain if the commission is going to look into the case further.

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