A staffer for Democratic Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey was hit with drug trafficking charges after authorities intercepted eight kilograms of cocaine being delivered to a state office building.
LaMar Cook, who has served as deputy director of Healey’s western Massachusetts office since 2023, was charged with trafficking over 200 grams of cocaine, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition related to the bust, Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni announced Wednesday.
Multiple parcels containing about 21 kilograms of cocaine have been seized by Massachusetts State Police throughout the investigation into Cook.
Cook was arrested during a Tuesday traffic stop, three days after authorities conducted a “controlled delivery operation” of eight kilos of coke to the Springfield State Office Building, where the Healey staffer worked.
His arrest is also linked to parcels seized at the Hotel UMass in Amherst, where Cook was previously employed, containing about 13 kilos of the drug.
“Evidence collected during that operation was consistent with the narcotics recovered during the most recent controlled delivery in Springfield,” Gulluni said.
Cook, 45, was arraigned Wednesday in Springfield District Court and pleaded not guilty. His bail was set at $25,000.
“As the Western Massachusetts Director for Governor Maura Healey, I serve as a key liaison between the state government and the western region of Massachusetts,” the LinkedIn bio for the suspected cocaine trafficker reads.
“In this role, I effectively manage and coordinate government initiatives and policies in 4 counties.”
Cook was fired from his post in the governor’s administration after his arrest, a spokesperson for Healy said.
“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 Healey rep said in a statement to Boston 25 News.
“Mr. Cook has been terminated from his position effective immediately,” the statement continued. “This criminal investigation is ongoing, and our administration will work with law enforcement to assist them in their work.”
Two Republicans challenging Healey for the Massachusetts governorship in 2026 slammed her after the cocaine bust.
“Healey has lost control of every aspect of her administration,” Mike Kennealy, a Republican former state official, wrote on X. “When I’m Governor, we’ll clean up the mess that Maura Healey created.”
“A top aide to Gov. Maura Healey is a drug trafficker. This is beyond shocking,” Brian Shortsleeve, the former head of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, wrote on X. “This is a reflection not just on our governor and her failed leadership and management skills, but on our entire state, and we shouldn’t tolerate it.
“Gov. Healey owes Massachusetts an explanation.”
Healey’s office did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
