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3h ago

Healey Aide LaMar Cook Charged in 21-Kilo Cocaine Case, Held Without Bail

Prosecutors say a multi-agency probe linked an Amherst hotel seizure to a controlled delivery at the Springfield state office building.

Lamar Cook (Photo courtesy Mass.gov.)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 22: Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey speaks on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Delegates, politicians, and Democratic Party supporters are gathering in Chicago, as current Vice President Kamala Harris is named her party's presidential nominee. The DNC takes place from August 19-22. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • LaMar Cook pleaded not guilty in Springfield District Court and was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing.
  • He is charged with trafficking 200 grams or more of cocaine, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
  • About 8 kilograms were intercepted during a controlled delivery to the Springfield State Office Building using an undercover delivery vehicle, after which investigators searched his office and later arrested him during a traffic stop.
  • Prosecutors said the delivery is linked to an Oct. 10 seizure of roughly 13 kilograms at Hotel UMass in Amherst, bringing the total to about 21 kilograms and potentially leading to additional charges in Hampshire County.
  • The governor’s office fired Cook effective immediately, calling the conduct a breach of public trust, as state police and federal partners continue the investigation.