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State Police Block Release of Background Check for Healey Aide Arrested in Cocaine Probe

The agency cites personnel-record exemptions in refusing to disclose the report on the governor’s former Western Massachusetts deputy director.

Overview

  • Republican lawmakers pressed Gov. Maura Healey for details on how LaMar D. Cook was hired and demanded a full review of executive-branch vetting practices.
  • Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Kennealy urged an external investigation of hiring procedures and potential complicity within the governor’s office.
  • Police used an undercover delivery to the Springfield State Office Building on Nov. 3, where Cook accepted a parcel before being arrested, according to the police report.
  • Investigators intercepted eight kilograms of cocaine addressed to the Springfield office and previously seized two packages totaling 13 kilograms delivered to Hotel UMass in Amherst.
  • Cook, 45, was fired after his arrest and has pleaded not guilty to trafficking 200 grams or more of cocaine, firearms charges, and driving without a license, and he is being held without bail.