Massachusetts Governor's Deputy Director LaMar Cook of Springfield fired after cocaine trafficking arrest

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The deputy director of Governor Maura Healey’s western Massachusetts office, LaMar Cook, was arrested and terminated from his position after several kilograms of suspected cocaine were seized.

The Hampden District Attorney’s Office told 22News that an ongoing investigation is being conducted after multiple parcels were seized that contained a combined total of approximately 21 kilograms of suspected cocaine.

During a controlled delivery operation on Saturday to the State Office Building located at 436 Dwight Street in Springfield, a package was intercepted that contained approximately 8 kilograms.

On Monday, a search warrant was executed for the office where 45-year-old LaMar Cook was employed within the Springfield State Office Building. As a result, Cook was arrested on Tuesday during a traffic stop. He is being charged with the following:

• Cocaine, Trafficking in, 200 Grams or More (in relation to the approximately 8 kilograms seized from the Springfield State Office Building operation)
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
• Unlawful Possession of Ammunition

On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the governor told 22News that Cook has been terminated from his position as a state employee. In April 2023, Cook was hired as the Western Massachusetts Deputy Director in Springfield to work together with stakeholders, constituents and local municipalities on issues within the region.

“The Governor’s Office has been made aware of the arrest of an employee, Lamar Cook. The conduct that occurred here is unacceptable and represents a major breach of the public trust. Mr. Cook has been terminated from his position effective immediately. This criminal investigation is ongoing, and our administration will work with law enforcement to assist them in their work,” the spokesperson stated.

Cook co-founded the Back to School Brighter Initiative, which supports local children with free haircuts, backpacks, and school supplies. He was also a member of the Springfield Community Preservation Committee as a neighborhood representative, which has a role in maintaining the city’s historical and cultural resources. He served as a director of Hotel UMass in Amherst.

His educational background includes a certificate in hospitality and tourism management from Florida Atlantic University and a degree in Political Science and Government from Western New England University.

22News is in Springfield District Court on Wednesday for the court arraignment and will update this story as soon as additional information is released.

Ashley Shook

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