SPRINGFIELD, MA - The deputy director of Governor Maura Healey's western Massachusetts office, LaMar Cook, was arrested after several kilograms of suspected cocaine were allegedly seized from him. He has since been terminated from his position.
The Hampden District Attorney's Office told 22News that an ongoing investigation is being conducted after multiple parcels were seized that contained a combined total of approximately 21 kilograms of suspected cocaine.
On October 10, officials searched two suspicious packages at Hotel UMass in Amherst that contained 13 grams of kilograms of cocaine. Last Saturday, October 25, law enforcement performed a controlled delivery operation to the State Office Building located at 436 Dwight Street in Springfield, which resulted in a package being intercepted that contained approximately 8 kilograms of cocaine.
That led investigators to execute a search warrant on Monday, October 27 for the office where 45-year-old LaMar Cook was employed within the Springfield State Office Building. As a result, Cook was arrested on Tuesday, October 28 during a traffic stop.
He has been charged with the following: cocaine, trafficking in, 200 grams or more (in relation to the approximately 8 kilograms seized from the Springfield State Office Building operation); unlawful possession of a firearm; and unlawful possession of ammunition. The day after his arrest, a spokesperson for the governor said that Cook has been terminated from his position as a state employee.
In April 2023, Cook was hired as the Western Massachusetts Deputy Director in Springfield to work together with stakeholders, constituents, and local municipalities on issues within the region.
"The Governor's Office has been made aware of the arrest of an employee, LaMar Cook. The conduct that occurred here is unacceptable and represents a major breach of public trust. Mr. Cook has been terminated from his position effective immediately. This criminal investigation is ongoing, and our administration will work with law enforcement to assist them in their work," the spokesperson added.
Cook co-founded the Back to School Brighter Initiative, which supports local children with free haircuts, backpacks, and school supplies. He was also a member of the Springfield Community Preservation Committee as a neighborhood representative, which has a role in maintaining the city's historical and cultural resources. He also served as director of Hotel UMass in Amherst.
He has a certificate in hospitality and tourism management from Florida Atlantic University and a degree in Political Science and Government from Western New England University.
Massachusetts State Police Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team (CINRET West), the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Hampden District Attorney, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and other partner agencies are involved in the investigation.
The Hampden District Attorney's Office told 22News that an ongoing investigation is being conducted after multiple parcels were seized that contained a combined total of approximately 21 kilograms of suspected cocaine.
On October 10, officials searched two suspicious packages at Hotel UMass in Amherst that contained 13 grams of kilograms of cocaine. Last Saturday, October 25, law enforcement performed a controlled delivery operation to the State Office Building located at 436 Dwight Street in Springfield, which resulted in a package being intercepted that contained approximately 8 kilograms of cocaine.
That led investigators to execute a search warrant on Monday, October 27 for the office where 45-year-old LaMar Cook was employed within the Springfield State Office Building. As a result, Cook was arrested on Tuesday, October 28 during a traffic stop.
He has been charged with the following: cocaine, trafficking in, 200 grams or more (in relation to the approximately 8 kilograms seized from the Springfield State Office Building operation); unlawful possession of a firearm; and unlawful possession of ammunition. The day after his arrest, a spokesperson for the governor said that Cook has been terminated from his position as a state employee.
In April 2023, Cook was hired as the Western Massachusetts Deputy Director in Springfield to work together with stakeholders, constituents, and local municipalities on issues within the region.
"The Governor's Office has been made aware of the arrest of an employee, LaMar Cook. The conduct that occurred here is unacceptable and represents a major breach of public trust. Mr. Cook has been terminated from his position effective immediately. This criminal investigation is ongoing, and our administration will work with law enforcement to assist them in their work," the spokesperson added.
Cook co-founded the Back to School Brighter Initiative, which supports local children with free haircuts, backpacks, and school supplies. He was also a member of the Springfield Community Preservation Committee as a neighborhood representative, which has a role in maintaining the city's historical and cultural resources. He also served as director of Hotel UMass in Amherst.
He has a certificate in hospitality and tourism management from Florida Atlantic University and a degree in Political Science and Government from Western New England University.
Massachusetts State Police Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team (CINRET West), the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Hampden District Attorney, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and other partner agencies are involved in the investigation.
For corrections or revisions, click here.
The opinions reflected in this article are not necessarily the opinions of LET
Comments