A Springfield-based aide to Governor Maura Healey is out of his job after authorities said they seized eight kilograms — or nearly 18 pounds — of cocaine that were slated to be delivered to a downtown state building where he worked. LaMar Cook, 45, was arrested Tuesday night, a day after investigators searched his office, and charged with cocaine trafficking, as well as counts of carrying a gun and ammunition without a license, and driving without a license, according to the Hampden district attorney’s office. Cook pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Wednesday in Springfield District Court. A judge ordered him to be held at Hampden County jail, pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Friday. “This criminal investigation is ongoing, and our administration will work with law enforcement to assist them in their work,” the spokesperson, Karissa Hand, said in a statement. According to District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni’s office, the investigation stems from two seizures earlier this month, including an Oct. 10 seizure of two suspicious packages that had 13 kilograms, or nearly 29 pounds, of cocaine at Hotel UMass in Amherst. Cook served as director of the UMass hotel for nearly seven years, according to LinkedIn.
Published: October 29, 2025 5:48 pm
Source: The Boston Globe — Read original