On Tuesday, Governor Maura Healey confirmed that a former aide, accused of sending eight kilograms of cocaine to the state Capitol, had received over $30,000 for unused vacation time.
Lamar Cook, aged 45, was pulling in around $99,000 annually and received an extra $31,438.56 in “buybacks” after his unexpected arrest in late October, according to payroll documents reviewed by authorities.
The Healey administration claimed it never meant to provide any additional funds to Cook, who urgently needs the money to cover his $85,000 bail.
“Taxpayer funds shouldn’t be going to people involved in such outrageous criminal conduct. This payment was a mistake, and we’re working to recover it,” a representative from Healey’s Office of Management and Finance stated.
Cook is facing allegations of drug trafficking linked to the Western Massachusetts Governor’s Office in Springfield, where he served as deputy director, and the University of Massachusetts Hotel in Amherst, which are quite close to one another.
Authorities launched an investigation after seizing two packages with around 13 kilograms of drugs at a hotel on October 10. Cook had worked at the hotel prior to joining the Democratic administration in 2023. Later, another eight kilograms of cocaine were taken from the Springfield office.
He was arrested on October 28 during a traffic stop and charged with several offenses, including trafficking in cocaine over 200 grams, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, as noted by the Hamden District Attorney’s Office.
Following his arrest, representatives from Healey’s office confirmed that Cook had been terminated and described his actions as “unacceptable and a serious breach of public trust.”
Republican candidates Mike Keneally and Brian Shortsleeve, both vying for Healey’s gubernatorial seat in 2026, quickly criticized the administration’s apparent oversight.
Keneally remarked, “Maura Healey gave a golden parachute to a staffer who trafficked cocaine from her office after she was indicted. It’s time for a new governor.” Shortsleeve added, “You can’t make this up! Maura Healey reveals what she knew about Cook’s violent criminal history and now she’s paying him over $30,000 for vacation time. What is she thinking?”
Attempts to reach Healey’s office for further comments were made.
