Gov. Maura Healey’s Western Massachusetts deputy director, LaMar Cook, was arrested after authorities intercepted eight kilos of cocaine being sent directly to his official state office – that they say he was planning on selling.
The 45-year-old is a long-time staffer who oversees regional operations from the “Little State House” in Springfield.
He’s facing felony charges of cocaine trafficking and illegal firearms possession.
This after authorities executed a search of Cook’s office leading to his arrest, Cook was terminated hours later.
Questions are now being raised about how Governor Healey was not aware of the illegal scheme that had been going on for weeks.
Facts:
The seized cocaine, about 18 pounds, was packaged in a suspicious shipment that was intercepted en route to Cook’s official workspace in Springfield. The street value is more than $500,000.
In addition to drugs, investigators recovered multiple illegal firearms from Cook’s home during a related search, amplifying the charges and pointing to a bigger criminal operation.
The investigation started several weeks ago after tips came in about unusual deliveries to the state satellite office.
Cook has served for Governor Healey since her days as state attorney general.
His role involved direct interactions with local leaders, making the allegations damaging to the governor’s credibility.
Healey’s record:
As AG and governor, she aggressively sued the Trump administration over immigration and civil rights, seen as partisan obstruction ignoring local crime and security needs.
She Strongly backs biological males competing in girls’ and women’s sports
She defends laws blocking ICE detainers for illegal migrants, she pushes driver’s licenses for illegals, and funds migrant shelters
And she champions bans on assault weapons and protects abortions
While investing heavily in green energy that line up with Biden policies
