Authorities have arrested a Massachusetts governor’s aide on allegations of cocaine trafficking. Investigators reportedly intercepted packages containing the drug, destined for a state office building where the aide was employed, according to prosecutors.
LaMar Cook, 45, from Springfield, appeared in court on Wednesday, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was subsequently held without bail, awaiting a future court hearing, as reported by Boston.com.
Cook faces not only drug trafficking charges but also accusations of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
A former deputy in Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey’s Western Massachusetts office, Cook’s arrest has made headlines. (Nancy Lane/Pool via REUTERS)
According to an archived staff directory, Cook previously served as the deputy director in Gov. Healey’s Western Massachusetts office. Following his arrest on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the governor confirmed that Cook was “immediately terminated,” as per Boston.com.
“The actions taken are intolerable and constitute a significant violation of public trust,” the spokesperson stated. “This criminal investigation remains active, and our administration is committed to cooperating fully with law enforcement throughout their inquiry.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to Healy’s office.
This photo shows Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey delivering her inaugural address in the House Chamber at the Statehouse moments after being sworn into office during inauguration ceremonies, Jan. 5, 2023, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)
Authorities have seized 21 kilograms of cocaine, including eight intercepted Saturday during a delivery operation at the Springfield State Office Building, the DA’s office said.
Investigators searched Cook’s former office Monday night. Cook was arrested Tuesday while in his car in Springfield.
The investigation stemmed from two prior drug seizures. Authorities intercepted and searched two suspicious packages at Hotel UMass (University of Massachusetts Amherst) in Amherst on Oct. 10 and found about 13 kilograms of suspected cocaine.
Cook previously worked as the director of Hotel UMass, according to his LinkedIn profile.
“Evidence collected during that operation was consistent with the narcotics recovered during the most recent controlled delivery in Springfield,” the DA’s office said. “The investigation into the UMass seizure remains ongoing and may result in additional charges related to the prior shipments in Hampshire County.”
