Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno Shares His Reaction After Hampden County Sheriff Charged With OUI

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) — Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi faced a judge Monday after being charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol over the weekend.

Sheriff Nick Cocchi was arraigned Monday morning.

Western Mass News spoke with Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno Monday afternoon and he shares his reaction after the sheriff publicly took responsibility for his actions.

“Today I take full responsibility for what happened last Saturday,” Cocchi told us.

Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi admitted his actions while speaking to Western Mass News moments after standing before a judge.

Our cameras were rolling inside Springfield District Court shortly after 9 a.m. Monday morning as Sheriff Cocchi was arraigned.

Cocchi was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

Massachusetts State Police tell us he was arrested following an incident just outside the MGM Springfield casino on Saturday night.

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno shares his reaction with us Monday afternoon.

““First of all, he is a good man, a very good man and a very good leader. He has helped thousands of people. He has taken full responsibility for his actions and he will continue to help others,” Sarno said.

In court, Sheriff Cocchi argued that there was sufficient evidence, which led the court to continue the case without ruling.

And after the hearing, Cocchi was eager to get back to work, keeping his comments brief.

““I hate to make a comment and run, but unfortunately I have to get back to work,” Cocchi told us.

Meanwhile, Mayor Sarno shares this message with the sheriff:

“This too shall pass.

The sheriff’s license has been temporarily suspended for 45 days.

Western Mass News reached out to the attorney general’s office and while they confirmed they were aware of this matter, they were not aware of any paid or unpaid leave for the sheriff.