SPRINGFIELD — A Springfield-based staffer in Governor Maura Healey’s Western Massachusetts office was fired after investigators intercepted several kilograms of cocaine allegedly sent to his workplace.
LaMar Cook, 45, of Springfield, pleaded not guilty in Springfield District Court Wednesday to charges of trafficking in cocaine, 200 grams or more, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition, according to the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office. Cook was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Friday.
Cook had served as deputy director of Healey’s Western Massachusetts office, according to his LinkedIn page and a prior state staff directory. A spokesperson for the governor’s office said Cook was terminated “effective immediately” after officials learned of his arrest.
“The conduct that occurred here is unacceptable and represents a major breach of the public trust,” the spokesperson said. “This criminal investigation is ongoing, and our administration will work with law enforcement to assist them in their work.”
Authorities said investigators seized several parcels containing a combined 21 kilograms of suspected cocaine, including eight kilograms intercepted Saturday during a controlled delivery operation at the Springfield State Office Building on Dwight Street.
Investigators searched Cook’s former office Monday night before arresting him Tuesday while he was driving in Springfield, the DA’s office said.
The case reportedly stems from two earlier drug seizures in Hampshire County. On Oct. 10, investigators at Hotel UMass in Amherst intercepted two suspicious packages and discovered about 13 kilograms of suspected cocaine.
“Evidence collected during that operation was consistent with the narcotics recovered during the most recent controlled delivery in Springfield,” the DA’s office said in a statement. “The investigation into the UMass seizure remains ongoing and may result in additional charges related to the prior shipments in Hampshire County.”
According to his LinkedIn profile, Cook previously worked as director of Hotel UMass before joining the governor’s staff.
The ongoing narcotics investigation is being led by Massachusetts State Police detectives, the State Police Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team, Homeland Security Investigations, and other partner agencies, according to the DA’s office.
