Published on: October 7, 2024, 05:38h.
Last updated on: October 7, 2024, 05:38h.
A recent report by The Boston Globe reveals that Hampden County, Mass. Sheriff was arrested at MGM Springfield after driving to the casino intoxicated in a police SUV with a missing tire.
Sheriff Nick Cocchi, aged 51, left his Ford Explorer with blue police license plates in the valet area while he visited the casino on September 21. Upon returning 40 minutes later, he was greeted by state police officers.
‘Couple of Beers’
Initially, Cocchi claimed that someone else currently in the casino had been driving the vehicle, but he changed his story when reminded of the surveillance cameras in the area.
He admitted to playing golf at Springfield Country Club and consuming “a couple of beers.” However, his speech was slurred, and his eyes were described as “bloodshot and glassy” in the arrest report released last week.
Cocchi refused to undergo field sobriety tests or take a breathalyzer, resulting in an automatic license suspension, as per court filings.
Review of security footage from the casino showed Cocchi arriving at 6:44 p.m., attracting attention from patrons due to his impaired state. He stumbled multiple times as he entered the casino.
The SUV had a missing right front tire, significant damage to the reel rim, and was covered in “plant matter,” as detailed in the arrest report. Cocchi had left the engine running and the vehicle unlocked, with items like golf clubs, cash, a wallet containing his police ID, and other sheriff’s office property inside.
Suspended Sentence
On September 23, in Springfield District Court, Cocchi pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol and was placed on probation for a year. He was fined $600, faced a 45-day license suspension, and was mandated to complete an alcohol driver education course.
He also received a three-day unpaid suspension from work, which covered the SUV’s damage costs, according to a spokesperson from the Sheriff’s Office.
“I take full responsibility for what happened this past Saturday,” he stated in a post-plea release. “In both my personal and professional life, I stand by my actions.”
During the court proceedings, Assistant Attorney General Mary Sandstrom acknowledged Cocchi’s positive contributions to the community throughout his career. However, she highlighted his prior brash and entitled behavior, stating that he had misused his position.