Executive Summary
- LaMar Cook, former aide to Gov. Maura Healey, was indicted by a grand jury on cocaine trafficking charges.
- Authorities allege Cook was involved in shipping over 100 pounds of cocaine, including packages sent to a state office.
- The indictment includes charges of conspiracy, illegal gun possession, and unlicensed operation of a vehicle.
- The case has moved to Hampden Superior Court with an arraignment scheduled for March 6.
LaMar Cook, a former aide to Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, has been indicted by a Hampden Superior Court grand jury on charges of cocaine trafficking, conspiracy to violate drug laws, and illegal firearm possession. The indictment, returned on February 12, marks a significant escalation in the legal proceedings against Cook, transferring the case from Springfield District Court to the Superior Court.
According to online court records, the indictment encompasses five charges, including conspiracy with an individual identified only as “John Doe,” suggesting that authorities believe Cook was operating within a broader network. In addition to the narcotics charges, the indictment alleges illegal gun possession and driving without a valid license. Prosecutors previously noted in court filings that Cook held a Georgia driver’s license rather than a valid Massachusetts license at the time of the alleged offenses.
The investigation into Cook began after police in Kentucky intercepted suspicious packages characterized by expedited shipping and discrepancies in address data, according to law enforcement reports. Authorities allege that over 100 pounds of suspected cocaine were shipped via mail over several weeks. Police stated that Cook was arrested in October after investigators seized approximately 17 pounds of cocaine addressed to the state office building in Western Massachusetts where he served as a deputy director.
Following his initial detention outside his Springfield office on October 25, Cook was terminated from his position in the Governor’s administration. A spokesperson for the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Cook remains in custody, having been granted $85,000 cash bail in November which has not yet been posted. His attorney, Kedar Ismail, has not yet commented on the new indictment. Cook is scheduled for arraignment in Superior Court on March 6.
It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Investigative Outlook
The elevation of this case to Superior Court indicates the severity of the charges and the potential for significant sentencing guidelines if a conviction is secured. The inclusion of a conspiracy charge involving a “John Doe” points toward an ongoing investigation likely focused on identifying the supply chain and distribution network associated with the intercepted shipments. Legal experts suggest that the volume of narcotics involved—exceeding 100 pounds—typically triggers mandatory minimum sentencing considerations under Massachusetts law.
