SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi has been arraigned in court for operating under the influence.
Horses evacuated during minor barn fire at The Big E Hampden County Sheriff’s Office Spokesman Rob Rizzuto confirmed to 22News that Sheriff Cocchi was at MGM Springfield Saturday night when he was arrested for operating under the influence. Rizzuto says the sheriff was released on his own recognizance following the incident.
In a statement to 22News, Sheriff Cocchi said “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.”
Sheriff 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.
The sheriff’s department oversees corrections in Hampden County, running the Hampden County Jail in Ludlow and the Western Massachusetts Regional Women’s Correctional Center in Chicopee. The office also runs treatment and recovery facilities and supports offenders’ re-entry as they transition back into society.
Cocchi was arraigned on Monday in Springfield District Court on a single charge of OUI, first offense. According to the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Rob Rizzuto, the judge recused himself from the case, which means he withdrew due to a potential conflict of interest of lack of impartiality. Cocchi entered a plea of admission to sufficient facts, which led the court to continue the case without a finding. His driver’s license will be temporarily suspended.
“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 full responsibility for what happened this past Saturday. Raised by parents who taught me kindness, compassion, and accountability, I’ve always strived to be the best version of myself. Many point fingers in today’s political climate, but I wasn’t raised that way. In both my personal and professional life, I stand by my actions. I look forward to moving forward with the Sheriff’s Office and continuing the great work my team does for our community daily.”
Cocchi made a statement to the media outside the courthouse stating he is taking full responsibility for what happened.
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