Judge Sets $85,000 Bail for Ex-Healey Aide in Cocaine Trafficking Case

Overview

• Hampden Superior Court Judge William J. Ritter modified a prior no-bail order after a review, finding Cook remains a danger but that conditions can protect the community.
• Bail was set at $75,000 on the drug charge and $10,000 on the gun charge, and the judge ordered Cook to surrender his passport while noting a low flight risk.
• Investigators cite an Oct. 10 seizure of about 13 kilograms at Hotel UMass and a controlled delivery to the Springfield state office building that intercepted roughly 8 kilograms.
• Cook is charged with trafficking 200 grams or more of cocaine and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, was arrested Oct. 28, and was fired from his state job.
• Prosecutors say evidence links the Amherst and Springfield shipments as the probe continues and may yield additional charges, with Cook due back in court on Dec. 1.