Hampden Sheriff Nick Cocchi arrested for drunk driving

Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi was arrested for drunken driving at the MGM casino in Springfield on Saturday.

A sheriff's spokesman confirmed that Cocchi was charged with driving under the influence and said Cocchi was released on bail.

“I am sorry for not living up to the high standards I set for myself, my staff and those involved in the justice system. I take full responsibility for my actions,” Cocchi said in a statement.

Attorney General Andrea Campbell's office is prosecuting the case because it has jurisdiction over incidents that occur on casino property. The attorney general's office expects Cocchi to be arraigned in Springfield District Court on Monday morning.

NEPM requested a police report from Springfield Police and Massachusetts State Police, but did not immediately receive a response.

Cocchi has served as sheriff of Hampden County since 2017. The sheriff's office operates the Hampden County Correctional Center and the Western Massachusetts Regional Women's Correctional Center, among other law enforcement facilities and services.