Charges Filed Against Massachusetts Governor’s Staffer for Drug Trafficking
A staff member of Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has been charged with drug trafficking after authorities intercepted eight kilograms of cocaine intended for the statehouse.
Lamar Cook, who has held the position of deputy director in Healey’s Western Massachusetts office since 2023, faces charges for trafficking over 200 grams of cocaine, along with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, according to Hampden District Attorney Anthony Garni. This news was made public on Wednesday.
During the investigation, Massachusetts State Police reportedly seized several packages containing around 21 kilograms of cocaine.
Cook was taken into custody following a traffic stop on Tuesday, just three days after a “controlled delivery operation” brought eight kilograms of cocaine to the Springfield statehouse where Healey’s staff work.
Additionally, law enforcement found a package with roughly 13 kilograms of drugs at the UMass Hotel in Amherst, where Cook had previously been employed.
“Evidence gathered during that operation matched narcotics confiscated during a recent controlled delivery in Springfield,” Garni explained.
At 45, Cook was arraigned on Wednesday in Springfield District Court, where he entered a not guilty plea. His bail was set at $25,000.
Interestingly, Cook’s LinkedIn profile states he functions as a key liaison between state government and the Western Massachusetts area, noting that he effectively manages governmental policies across the four counties.
After the arrest, he was removed from his post in the governor’s administration, according to a spokesperson for Healey.
“The Governor’s Office has been informed of Lamar Cook’s arrest. This behavior is unacceptable and represents a serious breach of public trust,” a Healey spokesman remarked in a statement.
Two Republican candidates vying against Healey in the 2026 gubernatorial race have taken aim at her following this incident. Former state official Mike Keneally stated, “Governor Healey has lost control of her administration,” asserting that if he were to become governor, he would rectify the situation caused by Healey.
Similarly, Brian Shortsleeve, a former director of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, said, “It’s not unexpected that drug traffickers are a part of Governor Healey’s inner circle. This reflects poorly on her leadership and the state, and it’s intolerable.” He insisted that “Governor Healey owes Massachusetts an explanation.” The governor’s office has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding this situation.
