MA Sheriff Arrested At Casino, Charged With OUI: Reports

SPRINGFIELD, MA — A Massachusetts sheriff is facing a charge of operating under the influence after being arrested outside the MGM Springfield casino Saturday, according to multiple reports.

Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi was released "on his own recognizance," a spokesman for the sheriff's office told multiple outlets including NBC10 Boston.

"I'm sorry for not living up to the high standards I've set for myself, my staff, and the justice-involved population," Cocchi said in a statement obtained by NBC10 and Boston25. "I take complete responsibility for my actions."

Cocchi is set to be arraigned in Springfield District Court Monday.

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.

A lifelong resident of Ludlow, Cocchi took office as sheriff in 2017 and was reelected in 2022.