Springfield, MA – A senior staffer for Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has been fired following his arrest on cocaine trafficking and firearm charges in Springfield. The official, identified as Lamar Cook, allegedly received a cocaine delivery at a state office building before his arrest earlier this week, authorities said.
The Incident: Cocaine Delivery at State Office Building
According to the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, 45-year-old Lamar Cook, the Deputy Director of the Governor’s Western Massachusetts Office, was taken into custody Monday night after state police executed a search warrant at his Dwight Street office in Springfield.
Investigators said they seized approximately eight grams of suspected cocaine during a delivery at the office on Saturday, October 12. Cook was later found driving in Springfield on Tuesday evening and taken into custody. He was charged with cocaine trafficking and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Court documents indicate that Cook was arraigned Wednesday in Springfield District Court, where a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. His bail was initially set at $25,000, but during a subsequent hearing Friday, the judge ruled that Cook posed a danger to the community and ordered him held without bail.
“We’re looking forward just to getting some good facts out there and getting this gentleman back home with his family,” said Cook’s attorney outside court.
Investigation and Evidence Linking to UMass Packages
District Attorney Anthony Gulluni confirmed that Cook’s arrest is connected to an earlier drug seizure at Hotel UMass in Amherst on October 10. During that incident, authorities discovered two suspicious packages containing approximately 13 kilograms of suspected cocaine.
“The investigation into the UMass seizure remains ongoing and may result in additional charges related to prior shipments in Hampshire County,” the D.A.’s office said in a statement Wednesday.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether Cook was directly involved in the Amherst cocaine packages, but investigators say there is a possible link between the deliveries and his current charges in Springfield.
The scope of the investigation includes collaboration between state police and federal drug enforcement agents to determine whether Cook participated in an interstate narcotics operation.
Court Proceedings and Upcoming Hearings
Cook made his first court appearance on Wednesday, October 16, where prosecutors presented preliminary evidence of the drug delivery at the government office. During the Friday hearing, the court determined Cook should remain detained pending trial due to the severity of the charges.
He is scheduled to return to court on Monday, December 1, for further proceedings in the case.
The prosecution has indicated that additional charges could be filed if investigators confirm Cook’s involvement with the Amherst drug packages.
If convicted of the current charges, Cook could face up to 20 years in prison under Massachusetts drug trafficking and firearms laws.
Statements from Governor Healey’s Office
Governor Maura Healey’s administration swiftly responded to the arrest, announcing Cook’s termination effective immediately.
“The conduct that occurred here is unacceptable and represents a major breach of public trust,” a spokesperson for the governor said.
“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.”
Cook had joined the governor’s team in April 2023 and was responsible for managing and coordinating government initiatives across four counties in western Massachusetts.
Background: From Hotel UMass Director to State Official
Before joining the governor’s office, Cook served as Director of Hotel UMass from 2016 to 2023, where he oversaw daily operations and hospitality management. His LinkedIn profile highlighted his transition from hotel administration to public service, stating that he aimed to “enhance statewide government coordination and community engagement.”
Now, investigators are scrutinizing his connections to the hotel and whether the earlier cocaine shipments intercepted in Amherst are tied to his tenure there.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Response
Authorities have not released details regarding how long Cook may have been under surveillance, but the arrest has prompted widespread discussion about oversight and ethics in public office.
State lawmakers and political analysts have called for stricter background reviews for state appointees and greater monitoring of internal government facilities to prevent similar breaches.
Meanwhile, the Hampden County Drug Task Force and the Massachusetts State Police Narcotics Unit continue to gather digital evidence, including delivery logs, phone records, and financial transactions tied to the cocaine distribution network.
Conclusion
The arrest of Governor Healey’s staffer Lamar Cook has sent shockwaves through Massachusetts politics, raising questions about security within state offices and accountability in public service. As the investigation deepens and Cook awaits his December court date, prosecutors are expected to reveal further details connecting the Springfield office drug delivery to the Amherst cocaine packages.
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