Democratic Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey was in the crosshairs of a federal drug bust after authorities discovered one of her top aides had kilos of cocaine shipped to his office for distribution.
LaMar Cook, a top staffer for Healey, was hit with drug trafficking charges after authorities intercepted eight kilograms of cocaine being delivered to a state office building, according to reports.
Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni announced Wednesday that Cook, who has served as deputy director of Healey’s western Massachusetts office since 2023, was charged with trafficking over 200 grams of cocaine, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition related to the bust.
According to charging documents, multiple parcels containing a total of about 21 kilograms of cocaine were seized by Massachusetts State Police after the investigation into Cook.
Cook was arrested during a Tuesday traffic stop, three days after authorities conducted a “controlled delivery operation” of eight kilos of cocaine to the Springfield State Office Building, where Cook was working for Gov. Healy.
“Evidence collected during that operation was consistent with the narcotics recovered during the most recent controlled delivery in Springfield,” Gulluni said.
Cook, 45, was arraigned Wednesday in Springfield District Court and pleaded not guilty. His bail was set at $25,000.
A spokesperson for the governor’s office said state officials fired Cook “effectively immediately” after learning of his arrest Tuesday, Boston.com reported.
“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.”
However, two Republicans challenging Healey in the upcoming 2026 election took to social media to slam the Democratic governor after the cocaine bust.
“Healey has lost control of every aspect of her administration,” Mike Kennealy, a Republican former state official, wrote on X. “When I’m Governor, we’ll clean up the mess that Maura Healey created.”
I’m not making this up – a Healey staffer allegedly had eight kilos of cocaine delivered to the Western Mass Governors office.
Healey has lost control of every aspect of her administration.
When I'm Governor, we'll clean up the mess that Maura Healey created. pic.twitter.com/wf11gPCBVm
— Mike Kennealy for Governor (@MikeKennealy) October 29, 2025
“A top aide to Gov. Maura Healey is a drug trafficker. This is beyond shocking,” Brian Shortsleeve, the former head of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, wrote on X. “This is a reflection not just on our governor and her failed leadership and management skills, but on our entire state, and we shouldn’t tolerate it.
“Gov. Healey owes Massachusetts an explanation.”
Cook has served as a top aide for Healey for years.
“As the Western Massachusetts Director for Governor Maura Healey, I serve as a key liaison between the state government and the western region of Massachusetts,” the LinkedIn bio for Cook reads. “In this role, I effectively manage and coordinate government initiatives and policies in 4 counties.”