Healey’s Western Mass aide arrested, police say cocaine was sent to Springfield state office
A Springfield-based aide to Governor Maura Healey was arrested Tuesday night after authorities said police seized eight kilograms of cocaine that were slated to be delivered over the weekend to a state building downtown, where he worked.
LaMar Cook, 45, was charged with cocaine trafficking, as well as charges of carrying a gun and ammunition without a license, and driving without a license, according to the Hampden County District Attorney’s office.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Healey said Cook’s conduct was “unacceptable and represents a major breach of the public trust.”
Cook was fired “effective immediately,” Healey’s office said.
“This criminal investigation is ongoing, and our administration will work with law enforcement to assist them in their work,” the spokesperson, Karissa Hand, said in a statement.
Cook, who served as the deputy director of the governor’s Western Massachusetts office, made $115,668 in the role, according to state records.
On his LinkedIn, Cook said he served “as a key liaison between the state government and the western region of Massachusetts.”
“In this role, I effectively manage and coordinate government initiatives and policies in 4 counties,” he wrote.
According to law enforcement, the investigation stems from two prior seizures earlier this month, including an Oct. 10 seizure of two suspicious packages that had 13 kilograms of cocaine at Hotel UMass in Amherst.
Healey appointed Cook to his role in 2023. He previously served as director of the UMass hotel, according to LinkedIn. Before that, he worked at area hotels.
In announcing his role, Healey described Cook and Kristen Elechko, the director of the office, as “two proven leaders with deep ties to Western Mass.”
“They know the communities, they know the businesses, they know the needs and opportunities of the region,” she said.
Cook is set to be arraigned Wednesday in Springfield District Court.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
Samantha J. Gross can be reached at samantha.gross@globe.com. Follow her @samanthajgross.
