A Massachusetts sheriff was arrested outside the MGM Springfield casino on Saturday and charged with operating under the influence.
Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi was released on his own recognizance following his arrest, according to a spokesman for the sheriff's office.
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“I’m sorry for not living up to the high standards I’ve set for myself, my staff, and the justice-involved population. I take complete responsibility for my actions," Cocchi said in a statement.
He was arraigned Monday in Springfield District Court, according to WWLP. He pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 29.
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Following his arraignment, he made a statement to the media outside the courthouse, saying he takes full responsibility for what happened.
“So today, I take full responsibility for what happened this past Saturday," Cocchi said. "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 was first elected sheriff in 2016 and was re-elected to a second six-year term in 2022. He is a former correctional officer with the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office.
