Legal Proceedings Following Traffic Stop
Steve Kerrigan, leader of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, faced legal proceedings after being arrested for alleged drunken driving last month. According to state court records, Kerrigan admitted there were enough facts to support a conviction.
On June 15, two days after his traffic stop in Southborough, Kerrigan entered an ‘admission to sufficient facts.’ This legal disposition indicates that a defendant acknowledges the prosecution’s evidence is ample for a conviction. Consequently, a judge allowed the operating under the influence (OUI) charge to continue without a finding.
Further Charges and Sentencing
In addition to the OUI charge, Kerrigan faced a negligent operation charge and a marked lanes violation. The negligent operation charge was dismissed, and he was deemed not responsible for the marked lanes violation. The court sentenced him to a year’s probation, suspended his driver’s license for 45 days, and ordered him to pay $600 in fees. Kerrigan was also required to complete an impaired driving education program.
Incident Details
The incident began when a Southborough Police officer stopped Kerrigan’s BMW after observing it traveling on or over a lane divider shortly after midnight on June 13. The officer noted Kerrigan’s eyes appeared ‘glassy’ and ‘bloodshot red,’ with slow and slurred speech. Though the officer could not smell alcohol, reportedly due to a strong cologne, Kerrigan admitted to consuming two beers at around 6 p.m. before dinner.
Field sobriety tests were administered, and a breath sample showed a blood alcohol content of 0.089%, exceeding the Massachusetts legal limit of 0.08%.
Statement and Responses
In a statement to Boston.com, Kerrigan expressed regret and took full responsibility for his actions, appreciating the professionalism of the Southborough Police Department and the Westborough Court.
Kerrigan was elected chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party in 2023 and has a history in politics, including being the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor in 2014. He serves as president and CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center.
The Massachusetts Democratic Party has not responded to requests for comment on this matter.