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GOP Lawmakers Seek Records on Hiring of Healey Aide Charged in Cocaine Trafficking

Republicans are pressing for the release of LaMar Cook’s background check following seizures investigators say total about 46 pounds.

Overview

  • House Minority Leader Bradley Jones, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, and two dozen co-signers asked Gov. Maura Healey to disclose the circumstances of LaMar Cook’s 2023 hiring and to review executive-branch vetting procedures.
  • Court records describe an Oct. 24 controlled delivery of nearly 8 kilograms of suspected cocaine to the Springfield State Office Building using a trooper posing as a delivery driver, part of seizures totaling roughly 46 pounds tied to the probe.
  • Federal officials in Kentucky earlier intercepted about 12 kilograms of cocaine bound for Hotel UMass in Amherst, where Cook previously worked, with both incidents cited in the ongoing multi-agency investigation.
  • Cook pleaded not guilty and was ordered held without bail after a dangerousness hearing; he has petitioned to revisit his bail, according to recent filings.
  • Healey says Cook underwent a typical background check and was terminated immediately upon her learning of the arrest, as GOP gubernatorial candidates demand an independent investigation and release of his background and personnel records.