Hampden County, Massachusetts, saw a surprising turn of events as Sheriff Nick Cocchi was arrested Saturday night for allegedly operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol just outside MGM Springfield casino. Cocchi, first elected to serve as sheriff in 2016 and re-elected in 2022, appeared in Springfield District Court on Monday where he pled not guilty and was released on his own recognizance. In his statement to Western Mass News, Cocchi expressed remorse for his actions, saying, “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.” He added, “In today’s political life, so many people want to point fingers and push blame onto others. I wasn’t brought up that way. … Nor do I act that way in my personal or my professional life. So today, I take full responsibility for what happened this past Saturday.”
In a separate incident, Springfield, Tennessee police officers raided the local smoke shop Smoke & Vape last week after reports of illegal gambling at the premises. The authorities confiscated gambling machines and charged a worker at the business with gambling promotion.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, a man’s attempt at robbing two locations ended in failure and subsequent arrest. Initially targeting VIP Gaming Lounge in North Sioux City, South Dakota, the suspect was unable to secure any money as it appeared he had no weapon. The same individual, identified as Richard Martinez, 29, of Sioux City, later succeeded in robbing a gas station known as Pump ‘N Pak in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa after allegedly brandishing a gun. Martinez was later apprehended and booked at Woodbury County Jail on charges of attempted robbery, first-degree robbery, and second-degree theft. Notably, the get-away car used in his crimes had been reported stolen.
Lastly, in San Francisco, eight individuals faced charges following a police raid on two businesses suspected of running illegal gambling operations. The raid, conducted on September 11, led to the seizure of illegal gambling machines, drugs, drug paraphernalia, stolen merchandise, a firearm, and a replica gun. The establishments, both located on Leavenworth Street, brought about charges for gambling violations, drug offenses, and other pending warrants according to the San Francisco Police Department.