Massachusetts Governor’s Staff Member Fired After Drug Trafficking Arrest
A staff member of Democratic Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has been dismissed following an arrest linked to drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession.
Lamar Cook was taken into custody on Tuesday when police carried out a search warrant at the Springfield statehouse. He had been the deputy director in Healey’s Western Massachusetts office. The Hampden District Attorney’s Office revealed that investigators intercepted packages believed to contain cocaine that were meant for delivery to government facilities.
Healey had previously described Cook as a “proven leader,” noting his strong connections to Western Massachusetts when he was hired in April 2023.
During an arraignment in Springfield District Court, Cook pleaded not guilty to charges of cocaine trafficking and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. He is set to return to court on Friday. CBS News reported that bail was set at $25,000.
The arrests stemmed from a controlled delivery operation conducted on Saturday, during which law enforcement seized around 8 kilograms of cocaine. In total, authorities noted that approximately 21 kilograms of cocaine had been taken in connection with this operation, including two packages located at the UMass Hotel earlier this month.
Authorities asserted that evidence from the operation matched narcotics collected during a prior delivery in Springfield. The investigation into the UMass seizure remains active, with potential additional charges under consideration.
Cook had previously held the position of director at the UMass Hotel from 2016 until 2023.
Following his arrest, Healey’s office confirmed Cook’s immediate termination. “The Governor’s Office has been made aware of Lamar Cook’s arrest. His actions are unacceptable and erode public trust,” the statement read. “This criminal investigation is ongoing, and we will collaborate with law enforcement as needed.”
Requests for comments from Healey’s office went unanswered. In response to the incident, Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Keneally characterized the situation as an “embarrassment to our state” and highlighted it as a failure of leadership by Healey. Another Republican candidate, Brian Shortsleeve, expressed that he found the situation “beyond shocking” and called for accountability.
