Massachusetts Democrat Chair Arrested Over DUI
Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Stephen Kerrigan has been placed on probation after resolving charges stemming from his June arrest for operating under the influence, according to court records from Westborough District Court.
The case concluded with a continuance without a finding on the operating under the influence charge, meaning the charge could be dismissed if Kerrigan successfully completes the conditions of his probation. Local television station WCVB first reported details of the court proceedings.
According to a criminal complaint and a Southborough Police Department report, an officer stopped Kerrigan shortly after midnight on June 13 after observing his gray 2017 BMW SUV traveling between two lanes on Turnpike Road, also known as Route 9 Middle Road. Police said Kerrigan was the vehicle’s only occupant.
The officer reported that Kerrigan told police he was driving home after leaving a restaurant.
According to the police report, the officer observed that Kerrigan’s eyes appeared glassy and bloodshot. The report also stated that the officer could not detect the odor of alcohol because of what was described as an overwhelming smell of cologne.
Police further alleged that Kerrigan slurred his speech and told the officer he had consumed two beers following dinner several hours earlier.
According to court records cited by WCVB, Kerrigan submitted to two breath tests shortly after his arrest. The first registered a blood alcohol concentration of 0.089%, while the second measured 0.086%. Both readings were above Massachusetts’ legal limit of 0.08%.
Prosecutors charged Kerrigan with operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and a marked lanes violation.
During a June 15 court appearance, Kerrigan admitted that prosecutors had sufficient facts to support a conviction on the operating under the influence charge. The court continued the charge without a finding, dismissed the negligent operation charge and found Kerrigan not responsible for the marked lanes violation.
As part of the disposition, Kerrigan was placed on probation through June 15, 2027.
The court also ordered him to complete a state-approved alcohol education or impaired driving program, pay approximately $600 in court assessments and fees, submit to regular probation check-ins and obtain permission before traveling outside Massachusetts. His driver’s license was suspended for 45 days.
If Kerrigan successfully completes all probation requirements and avoids additional legal issues during the probationary period, the operating under the influence charge will be dismissed under the terms of the agreement, per Trending Politics.
Kerrigan addressed the case in a statement released through his attorney, Andrea Levy.
“In June, I was pulled over for a marked lanes violation and blew a .089 on the breathalyzer,” Kerrigan said. “I regret and take full responsibility for my actions and their consequences and appreciate the Southborough Police Department and the Westborough Court for their professionalism and service.”
Kerrigan has served as chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party since April 2023. He also serves as president and CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center in Worcester and is a member of the Lancaster Select Board. His previous positions include chief of staff to former Massachusetts Attorney General Tom Reilly, chief executive officer of the 2012 Democratic National Convention and the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor in 2014.
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