The Healey administration's Western Massachusetts Deputy Director, LaMar Cook, was arrested following a significant cocaine interception by State Police at the Springfield State Office, as announced by the Hampden District Attorney's office on Wednesday. A spokesperson for the Governor's office confirmed the arrest, stating, “The conduct that occurred here is unacceptable and represents a major breach of the public trust.” The spokesperson also indicated that Cook has been terminated from his position effective immediately, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to cooperating with law enforcement as the criminal investigation continues.
Cook, a 45-year-old resident of Springfield, was apprehended while driving on Tuesday evening. He faces serious charges including trafficking 200 grams or more of cocaine, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. His employment with the Healey administration began in 2023, highlighting the gravity of the situation given his former role in public service.
According to the Hampden DA’s office, during the investigation, State Police seized “multiple parcels containing a combined total of approximately 21 kilograms of suspected cocaine.” The trafficking charges against Cook are specifically linked to around eight kilograms of cocaine intercepted during a “controlled delivery operation” at the Springfield State Office building on Dwight Street, where Cook was employed. This operation took place on Saturday prior to his arrest.
The investigation leading to Cook's arrest is connected to two earlier drug trafficking seizures earlier this month. On October 10, police intercepted approximately 13 kilograms of suspected cocaine in suspicious packages at Hotel UMass in Amherst. Notably, Cook had previously served as the director of Hotel UMass before joining the Healey administration. The Hampden DA’s office noted that “evidence collected during that operation was consistent with the narcotics recovered during the most recent controlled delivery in Springfield.”
On Monday night, investigators executed a search warrant at Cook's former office in the Springfield State Office building, furthering their inquiry into this troubling case. The ongoing investigation is being led by the Massachusetts State Police Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team and involves collaboration with the Hampden DA’s office, Homeland Security Investigations, and other partner agencies. Authorities have indicated that the investigation may lead to additional charges related to prior shipments in Hampshire County.
In the wake of Cook's arrest, Republican gubernatorial candidates Mike Kennealy and Brian Shortsleeve voiced their concerns. Kennealy condemned the incident as a “disgrace for our state,” while Shortsleeve criticized the situation as “a total collapse of standards, screening, and supervision.” Kennealy further remarked that Governor Healey must be held accountable for the associates she chooses, pointing out the broader issues of leadership incompetence and high turnover among cabinet secretaries. Shortsleeve also mentioned a previous incident involving the hiring of a sex offender at the RMV, pledging to conduct a full audit of every agency if elected governor.
Cook was reportedly earning $96,564 this year, with an annual salary of $115,968. When Governor Healey announced Cook’s appointment as deputy director in 2023, she praised him and the Western Massachusetts director as “two proven leaders with deep ties to Western Mass.” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll also expressed confidence in their potential impact, describing them as well-known and trusted leaders in the region.
Cook was recognized as a significant figure in the Springfield business community, co-founding the Back to School Brighter Initiative, which has helped local children start their academic year with essential supplies like haircuts, backpacks, and school supplies. His arrest marks a troubling turn of events for both the Healey administration and the community he served.
