A senior aide to Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D) was arrested on multiple charges after authorities allegedly intercepted a major cocaine shipment destined for a state government building.
Lamar Cook, 45, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to trafficking cocaine in quantities of 200 grams or more, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. A judge set bail at $25,000 pending a hearing scheduled for Friday, his attorney told The Hill.
According to prosecutors, investigators intercepted nearly 8 kilograms of cocaine last Saturday before staging a “controlled delivery operation” to the Springfield State Office Building, where Cook worked. Undercover officers repackaged about 225 grams of the seized drugs for the sting. Police later arrested Cook during a traffic stop three days later.
Healey’s office said Cook was fired “effective immediately” once the governor’s staff learned of his arrest.
“The conduct that occurred here is unacceptable and represents a major breach of the public trust,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
“This criminal investigation is ongoing, and our administration will work with law enforcement to assist them in their work.”
The Hampden District Attorney’s Office said the case is connected to earlier seizures this month in Amherst, where authorities found “two suspicious packages” at Hotel UMass. Investigators say they have now recovered approximately 21 kilograms of suspected cocaine in total — 13 kilograms from the Oct. 10 seizures and 8 kilograms from the Springfield operation.
Cook previously worked for six and a half years at Hotel UMass, including a stint as director, according to his LinkedIn profile.
The investigation remains “ongoing and active,” the district attorney’s office said.
The case has already drawn sharp criticism from Republicans eyeing the 2026 governor’s race, who accused Healey of presiding over a chaotic administration.
“Healey has lost control of every aspect of her administration,” wrote former state official Mike Kennealy on X. “When I’m Governor, we’ll clean up the mess that Maura Healey created.”
“A top aide to Gov. Maura Healey is a drug trafficker. This is beyond shocking,” said Brian Shortsleeve, former head of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. “This is a reflection not just on our governor and her failed leadership and management skills, but on our entire state, and we shouldn’t tolerate it.
Gov. Healey owes Massachusetts an explanation.”
