SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – The deputy director of Governor Healey’s office in Western Massachusetts has been fired amid an ongoing investigation.
Payton North, a spokesman for the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office, said Lamar Cook, 45, of Springfield, was arrested Tuesday.
As part of an ongoing investigation, authorities seized several packages containing a total of approximately 21 kilograms of suspected cocaine. On Saturday, a controlled delivery, in which eight kilograms were intercepted, took place at a state office building on Dwight Street in Springfield, where Cook was employed. According to the state’s website, it says Cook was deputy director of Healey’s office in Springfield. On Monday, a search warrant was executed at Cook’s former office.
On October 10, investigators reportedly intercepted and searched two suspicious packages, containing approximately 13 kilograms of suspected cocaine, at the UMass Hotel in Amherst. Evidence collected in the Amherst operation “was consistent with narcotics recovered in the most recent controlled shipment in Springfield,” North said, adding that the investigation into the UMass seizure is still ongoing and “could result in additional charges related to prior shipments in Hampshire County.”
Cook was arrested while driving his vehicle in Springfield and was charged with trafficking in cocaine (in connection with the seizure during the Springfield operation), unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. He is expected to be arraigned Wednesday in Springfield District Court.
In a statement to Western Mass News, a spokesperson for Governor Healey’s office said the office “has been informed of the arrest of an employee, Lamar Cook.” They added that he “has been dismissed from his position with immediate effect”.
“The conduct that occurred here is unacceptable and represents a major abuse of the public trust,” the governor’s spokesperson explained, adding that “this criminal investigation is ongoing and our administration will work with law enforcement to assist them in their work.”
Western Mass News will continue to follow this story and have more on it at noon on ABC40.
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