Western Mass. aide to Healey charged with trafficking cocaine

A western Massachusetts aide to Gov. Maura Healey was arrested Tuesday evening after authorities said they seized eight kilograms of cocaine that were to be delivered to him at a state office building, the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office announced.

A judge ordered LaMar Cook, 45, held without bail at a court appearance Wednesday pending a dangerousness hearing, according to online court records. He pleaded not guilty to charges of trafficking 200 grams or more of cocaine, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Cook served as deputy director of the governor’s western Massachusetts office, making $115,668 a year until Saturday, when a spokesperson for Healey said he was fired “effective immediately.”

“The Governor’s Office has been made aware of the arrest of an employee, Lamar Cook. The conduct that occurred here is unacceptable and represents a major breach of the public trust,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “This criminal investigation is ongoing, and our administration will work with law enforcement to assist them in their work.”

Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni said law enforcement officials conducted a “controlled delivery” on Saturday to the Springfield State Office Building, where Cook was employed.

Investigators said they then conducted a search on Monday night of Cook’s former office within the building. He was arrested Tuesday while driving in Springfield, according to Gulluni’s office.

Cook is due back in Springfield District Court Friday for his dangerousness hearing, according to online court records.

He did not have an attorney listed in court records.

Prosecutors said the investigation into Cook stems from two prior drug seizures earlier this summer.

Law enforcement officials intercepted and searched two suspicious packages that contained roughly 13 kilograms of cocaine on Oct. 10 at Hotel UMass in Amherst, which Cook lists on his LinkedIn profile as his previous employer prior to working in the Healey administration.

Evidence collected during that operation “was consistent with the narcotics recovered during the most recent controlled delivery in Springfield,” Gulluni’s office said in a statement.

“The investigation into the UMass seizure remains ongoing and may result in additional charges related to the prior shipments in Hampshire County,” authorities said.

As deputy director of the office, Cook said on his LinkedIn profile that he served as “a key liaison between the state government and the western region of Massachusetts.”

“In this role, I effectively manage and coordinate government initiatives and policies in four counties,” he said on his online resume.

In announcing his appointment in April 2023, Healey said Cook and another recently hired employee were “proven leaders with ties to Western Mass.”

“They know the communities, they know the businesses, they know the needs and opportunities of the region. We’re excited to welcome them to the administration and encourage residents to get in touch with them,” Healey said in a statement.

A pair of Republicans competing for their party’s nomination to challenge Healey in next year’s gubernatorial election criticized the governor after the arrest.

Brian Shortsleeve, a venture capitalist and former MBTA official, said the arrest reveals a “total collapse of standards, screening, and supervision across state government.”

“Gov. Healey owes the people of Massachusetts an immediate explanation: who hired these individuals, what vetting failures allowed this to happen, and what steps she’s taking to purge state government of criminals, derelicts, and incompetents,” he said in a statement.

Mike Kennealy, a former cabinet secretary under former Gov. Charlie Baker, said the arrest underscores “Healey’s inability to hire competent, ethical staff and highlights the alarming lack of oversight within her administration.”

“This is a disgrace for our state and a direct reflection of Healey’s failed leadership. She must be held accountable for the people she chooses to surround herself with,” he said in a statement.