Shocking Arrest: Top Aide to Mass Gov. Maura Healey Charged in Major Cocaine Trafficking Bust

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — In a stunning development that has rocked the Massachusetts statehouse, LaMar Cook, a high-ranking staffer in Gov. Maura Healey's Western Massachusetts office, was arrested this week on federal and state charges of trafficking more than 20 kilograms of cocaine. The 45-year-old Springfield resident, who served as deputy director of the governor's regional office, was swiftly terminated from his position, with Healey's administration decrying the alleged scheme as a "major breach of the public trust."

Cook, who had been a key liaison between state government and western Massachusetts communities since joining the Healey administration in 2023, faces multiple felony counts including trafficking 200 grams or more of cocaine, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. Authorities from the Hampden District Attorney's Office, Massachusetts State Police, and Homeland Security Investigations revealed that the bust stemmed from a weeks-long probe into suspicious parcel deliveries tied to Cook's workplace and prior employment.

The investigation ignited on Oct. 10 when officers intercepted and searched two packages at Hotel UMass in Amherst—containing a staggering 13 kilograms of suspected cocaine—where Cook had previously served as director for six years. The probe escalated dramatically last Saturday with a controlled delivery operation at the Springfield State Office Building on Dwight Street, Cook's current worksite. There, investigators seized approximately eight kilograms of the drug hidden in parcels addressed to the facility, bringing the total haul to around 21 kilograms, or roughly 46 pounds, of suspected cocaine. Sources familiar with the case told Western Mass News that Cook had orchestrated deliveries of up to 50 pounds of the substance over several months to multiple locations, including the state building.

"These shocking incidents reveal a total collapse of standards, screening, and supervision across state government," Republican State Rep. Steven X. Shortell blasted in a statement to NBC Boston, drawing parallels to a recent scandal involving a convicted sex offender employed by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. "Under Maura Healey, taxpayers are paying the salaries of drug dealers and child predators."

Cook was apprehended Tuesday evening while driving in Springfield, following the execution of a search warrant at his office the night before. During the raid, authorities uncovered additional evidence linking him to the trafficking ring, including the illegal firearm and ammunition. Pleading not guilty at his arraignment Wednesday in Springfield District Court, Cook was initially ordered held on $25,000 bail. However, at a dangerousness hearing Friday, a judge ruled him a threat to the community, denying bail and remanding him in custody pending a further hearing.

His attorney, reached briefly outside court, expressed confidence in the defense: "We're still reviewing the full case details and will seek a more reasonable resolution on bail," the lawyer told reporters. Cook, described by former colleagues as a dedicated public servant with deep roots in western Massachusetts, had touted his role on LinkedIn as a "key liaison" for Healey's progressive agenda, focusing on economic development and community outreach.

Gov. Healey's office wasted no time distancing itself from the scandal. In a terse statement released Wednesday, spokesperson Karissa Shortleeve announced Cook's immediate termination: "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. Mr. Cook has been terminated from his position effective immediately. This criminal investigation is ongoing, and our administration will work with law enforcement to assist them in their work."

17GEN4.com