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Healey Pressed for Transparency on Hiring of Aide Charged in Cocaine Trafficking Case

Pressure centers on how LaMar Cook was vetted as investigators pursue a case that intercepted large cocaine shipments tied to a state office.

Overview

  • House Minority Leader Bradley Jones and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr asked Gov. Maura Healey to disclose recommendations behind LaMar Cook’s 2023 hiring and to review executive branch vetting procedures.
  • Republican gubernatorial candidates Brian Shortsleeve, Mike Kennealy, and Mike Minogue called for an independent investigation and the release of Cook’s background check and personnel records.
  • Healey’s office says Cook underwent a typical background check and that he was terminated immediately after the arrest, with further comment withheld because the criminal investigation is active.
  • Massachusetts State Police say a trooper posing as a UPS driver delivered a package to the Springfield State Office Building, where about 18 pounds of cocaine were intercepted.
  • Authorities report roughly 46 pounds seized across the probe, including about 26 pounds found in Louisville in packages addressed under a fictitious name to the UMass Hotel, and prosecutors say additional charges are possible as Cook is held without bail on trafficking and firearm charges.