Stephen Kerrigan, the prominent chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, has been placed on probation following the resolution of charges related to his June arrest for operating under the influence (OUI). Court records from Westborough District Court indicate that the OUI charge was continued without a finding, a disposition that allows for dismissal if Kerrigan successfully fulfills the conditions of his probation. Local television station WCVB was the first to report details of these recent court proceedings.
"In June, I was pulled over for a marked lanes violation and blew a .089 on the breathalyzer. 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." — Stephen Kerrigan, Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair
The incident leading to Kerrigan's arrest occurred shortly after midnight on June 13. According to a criminal complaint and a report from the Southborough Police Department, an officer initiated a traffic stop after observing Kerrigan's gray 2017 BMW SUV traveling erratically between two lanes on Turnpike Road, also known as Route 9 Middle Road. Kerrigan was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time.
The officer's report detailed observations made during the stop. Kerrigan reportedly informed the police that he was driving home after leaving a local restaurant. The officer noted that Kerrigan's eyes appeared glassy and bloodshot. While the report stated that an overwhelming odor of cologne prevented the detection of alcohol, police further alleged that Kerrigan exhibited slurred speech. He also told the officer he had consumed two beers several hours prior to driving, following his dinner.
Further evidence cited in court records by WCVB included the results of two breath tests administered shortly after Kerrigan's arrest. The first test registered a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.089%, and the second measured 0.086%. Both readings exceeded Massachusetts' legal limit for operating a vehicle, which is 0.08%. Consequently, prosecutors charged Kerrigan with operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and a marked lanes violation.
During a court appearance on June 15, Kerrigan admitted that prosecutors had sufficient facts to support a conviction on the operating under the influence charge. The court then proceeded to continue the OUI charge without a finding. In a related action, the negligent operation charge was dismissed, and Kerrigan was found not responsible for the marked lanes violation.
As part of the court's disposition, Kerrigan was placed on probation, which is set to run through June 15, 2027. The terms of his probation include several requirements: he must complete a state-approved alcohol education or impaired driving program, pay approximately $600 in court assessments and fees, submit to regular check-ins with his probation officer, and obtain permission before traveling outside the state of Massachusetts. Additionally, his driver's license was suspended for a period of 45 days. Should Kerrigan successfully complete all these probation requirements and avoid any further legal issues during the probationary period, the operating under the influence charge will be formally dismissed under the terms of the agreement, as reported by Trending Politics.
Kerrigan addressed the case publicly through a statement released by his attorney, Andrea Levy. "In June, I was pulled over for a marked lanes violation and blew a .089 on the breathalyzer," Kerrigan stated. "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."
Stephen Kerrigan has held the position of chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party since April 2023. Beyond his political leadership, he also serves as president and CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center in Worcester and is a a member of the Lancaster Select Board. His extensive career includes previous roles such as 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. The recent legal proceedings mark a significant personal and public challenge for the high-profile state political figure.
