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Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi Takes Responsibility After Drunken Driving Charge, Has Driver’s License Suspended

September 27, 2024

Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi was arrested on Saturday evening outside the MGM casino in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The Democrat was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence. He was released on his own recognizance and appeared in Springfield District Court on Monday morning.

At his arraignment, Cocchi’s attorney initially entered a plea of not guilty. However, just a few hours later, Cocchi’s office released a statement revealing that he had changed his plea, admitting there were sufficient facts to convict him.

The court granted Cocchi a continuance without a finding, meaning the charge will be dismissed if he stays out of legal trouble for the next year. As part of this arrangement, Cocchi’s driver’s license will be suspended for 45 days, and he must complete an OUI (operating under the influence) education program, according to Western Mass News.

Speaking briefly to reporters outside the courthouse after his court appearance, Cocchi expressed regret and took full responsibility for his actions.

“In today’s political life, so many people want to point fingers and push blame onto others. I wasn’t brought up that way,” Cocchi told WBUR. “I take full responsibility for what happened this past Saturday. I look forward to moving forward with the sheriff’s office and continuing to do the great work that my men and women do each and every day for our community.”

Cocchi declined to answer questions but told reporters, “I hate to give a comment and run, but unfortunately, I have got to get back to work.”

Additionally, Cocchi issued an apology via a press release from his office that expressed a similar sentiment.

Cocchi left a sheriff’s department vehicle running in the valet parking area at the MGM Springfield casino, according to New England Public Media. The state-owned SUV had a missing tire and damage to another. Massachusetts State Police Lieutenant Corey Mackey, who responded to the scene, said that Cocchi smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech, and exhibited bloodshot eyes.

Mackey’s report stated that Cocchi initially claimed a friend had been driving the car, but surveillance footage told a different story. Cocchi then admitted he had been behind the wheel. He told police he had been golfing at the Springfield Country Club earlier in the day and had consumed “a couple beers.”

Cocchi declined several field sobriety tests and refused a Breathalyzer, leading to his arrest.

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno defended the sheriff when asked about the incident. 

“The court proceedings will clarify situations, but he is a good, good man, without question. He’s taken full responsibility,” Sarno told Vermont Public.

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s office is handling the case because it has jurisdiction over incidents occurring on casino property.

Cocchi has been with the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office since 1993. He has served as sheriff since 2017. 

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