Aide to Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey Charged With Cocaine Trafficking

A helper for Massachusetts Governor Maura Healy was arrested on cocaine trafficking charges after investigators intercepted packages containing the drug that were supposed to be delivered to a state office building where he worked, prosecutors said.

LaMar Cook, 45, of Springfield, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Wednesday and was held without bail pending a court hearing, Boston.com reported.

In addition to the drug offense, Cook is also accused of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

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A former aide to Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey was arrested this week on suspicion of cocaine trafficking. (Nancy Lane/Pool via REUTERS)

According to an archived personnel directory, Cook was deputy director of Healey’s western Massachusetts office. A spokesman for the governor’s office said state officials fired Cook “effectively immediately” after learning of his arrest on Tuesday, Boston.com reported.

“The behavior that occurred here is unacceptable and represents a serious breach of public trust,” the spokesman said. “This criminal investigation is ongoing and our administration will work with law enforcement to assist them in their work.”

Fox News Digital has reached out to Healy’s office.

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This photo shows Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey delivering her inaugural address at the Statehouse shortly after her inauguration during inauguration ceremonies on January 5, 2023 in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)

Authorities confiscated 21 kilograms cocaineincluding eight intercepted during a delivery operation at the Springfield State Office Building on Saturday, the DA’s office said.

Investigators searched Cook’s former office Monday evening. Cook was arrested in his car in Springfield on Tuesday.

The investigation stemmed from two previous drug seizures. Authorities intercepted and searched two suspicious packages at the UMass Hotel (University of Massachusetts Amherst) on October 10 in Amherst and found approximately 13 kilograms of suspected cocaine.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Cook previously worked as a director of Hotel UMass.

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“Evidence collected during this operation was consistent with narcotics seized during the last controlled shipment in Springfield,” the DA’s office said. “The investigation into the UMass seizure is ongoing and may result in additional charges related to previous shipments in Hampshire County.”