New details have emerged of the crimes of a Massachusetts sheriff who has found himself in hot water after driving drunk to a casino.
Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi was arrested by state police last month when he returned to his vehicle after gambling at the MGM Springfield. He drove to the casino drunk in a police SUV.
The Boston Globe has now reported that the SUV was even missing a tire. The rim of the right front tire had extensive damage and was covered in “plant matter,” according to the police arrest report. Cocchi left the engine on while he was inside the casino for 40 minutes.
he changed his story after realizing that the area was covered by surveillance cameras
After being greeted by state police when he returned to the vehicle, Cocchi initially said that someone else was driving. But he changed his story after realizing that the area was covered by surveillance cameras.
Police reported that the sheriff’s speech was slurred and his “eyes were bloodshot and glassy.” He told them at the time that he had only had “a couple of beers” while playing golf at Springfield Country Club.
Cocchi was charged in September with driving under the influence. He will be on probation for a year and has lost his license for 45 days, plus must pay a $600 fine. Outside the courthouse, he apologized for his actions, stating that he “takes full responsibility.”