A staff member working for Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has been charged with drug trafficking after authorities intercepted a major cocaine shipment intended for a state office building. According to Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, Lamar Cook, who has served as deputy director of Healey’s western Massachusetts office since 2023, faces charges of trafficking more than 200 grams of cocaine, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. Investigators say Massachusetts State Police have seized roughly 21 kilograms of cocaine in total during their probe into Cook’s activities. His arrest took place during a traffic stop on Tuesday, just three days after officials carried out a controlled delivery of eight kilograms of cocaine to the Springfield State Office Building — the same facility where Cook worked. Gulluni noted that the evidence from the operation matched narcotics found in earlier seizures tied to the investigation. Cook, 45, appeared in Springfield District Court on Wednesday, pleaded not guilty, and was held on $25,000 bail. On his LinkedIn profile, Cook described himself as a key liaison between the state government and western Massachusetts, saying he oversaw and coordinated government initiatives across four counties. Following his arrest, the governor’s office confirmed Cook had been terminated immediately, calling his conduct “unacceptable” and “a major breach of public trust.” The statement added that the administration would cooperate fully with law enforcement as the investigation continues. The incident quickly drew criticism from Republican politicians eyeing the 2026 governor’s race. Former state official Mike Kennealy accused Healey of losing control of her administration, while former MBTA chief Brian Shortsleeve called the situation “beyond shocking,” arguing it reflected poorly on Healey’s leadership and on the state as a whole. Governor Healey’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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