SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass. — The chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party was arrested on an operating under the influence charge after police say he was pulled over in Southborough and showed signs of impairment.
Stephen J. Kerrigan, 54, of Lancaster, was arrested shortly after midnight on June 13 after a Southborough police officer observed his gray BMW SUV traveling westbound on Turnpike Road while straddling the marked lane line, court documents obtained Thursday by Boston 25 News indicated.
In a statement filed with the court, the officer wrote that Kerrigan appeared to have glassy, bloodshot eyes and spoke with slow, slurred speech during the traffic stop. The officer also noted an overwhelming smell of cologne that initially masked any odor of alcohol.
Kerrigan reportedly told police he had consumed two beers earlier in the evening before going to dinner.
Police said Kerrigan participated in field sobriety tests. Court records state that a preliminary breath test registered 0.117% blood alcohol content. Later breathalyzer tests conducted at the police station reportedly showed readings of 0.089% and 0.086%.
In Massachusetts, the legal BAC limit is 0.08% for drivers over 21.
Kerrigan was charged with operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and a marked lanes violation.
The case was resolved in Westborough District Court on June 15, as court records show Kerrigan admitted to sufficient facts on the OUI charge and received a continuance without a finding through June 15, 2027.
Kerrigan was ordered to complete the Massachusetts Impaired Driving Program, pay required fees and assessments, and faces a 45-day license loss. The negligent operation charge was dismissed, and the marked-lanes violation resulted in a not-responsible finding.
A court notice included in the case file states Kerrigan told the court he had been served alcohol prior to the incident at the Westin Copley Place in Boston.
Kerrigan has served as chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party since 2023. He also serves as the president and CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center.
Boston 25 News has reached out to the organization for comment.
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