A high-ranking aide to Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey — a Democrat frequently mentioned as a potential 2028 presidential contender — has been arrested in connection with a large-scale cocaine trafficking operation that allegedly extended into a state government facility.

Authorities say LaMar Cook, 45, who served as Deputy Director of Healey’s Western Massachusetts Office, was taken into custody this week after an extensive multi-agency investigation uncovered links between his workplace and a sophisticated drug distribution network.

Cook now faces multiple serious charges, including trafficking more than 200 grams of cocaine, illegal possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition, according to Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, who announced the arrest Wednesday.

The investigation, which had been underway for months, has already led to the seizure of approximately 21 kilograms (46 pounds) of cocaine.

A Sting Operation Uncovers the Scheme

Law enforcement officials said Cook’s arrest stemmed from a controlled delivery operation conducted earlier in the week. Investigators reportedly tracked eight kilograms of cocaine shipped to the Springfield State Office Building, the same government complex where Cook worked as a liaison between Boston and several western Massachusetts counties.

The Tuesday traffic stop that led to Cook’s arrest was the culmination of that sting operation. Police say evidence collected from Cook’s vehicle matched the drugs recovered from the intercepted package.

District Attorney Gulluni told reporters the operation was part of a wider probe targeting an organized drug trafficking ring that had quietly moved narcotics across state lines — and, shockingly, into public buildings.

“Evidence collected during the Springfield operation was consistent with narcotics recovered during an earlier seizure in Amherst,” Gulluni said, referring to a related bust involving 13 kilograms of cocaine discovered at Hotel UMass in nearby Amherst, where Cook had previously worked.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether Cook acted alone or was part of a larger criminal network operating inside or around the state government.

A Career in Public Service Gone Wrong

According to his LinkedIn profile, Cook portrayed himself as a “key liaison between the state government and the western region of Massachusetts.” His duties reportedly included coordinating policy across four counties, facilitating communication between the governor’s office and local communities, and assisting with regional development initiatives.

Before joining Governor Healey’s administration in 2023, Cook held various roles in education and public service, including positions at the University of Massachusetts system.

Colleagues described him as ambitious and politically connected — making his arrest all the more shocking to Massachusetts’ political establishment.

Governor Healey’s Office Responds Swiftly

The governor’s office wasted no time distancing itself from the scandal. In a brief but firm statement released Wednesday afternoon, Healey’s spokesperson confirmed that Cook had been terminated immediately following his arrest.

“The governor’s office has been made aware of the arrest of an employee, LaMar Cook,” the statement read. “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.”

The administration pledged full cooperation with law enforcement throughout the ongoing investigation.

“This criminal investigation is ongoing,” the spokesperson continued. “Our administration will work closely with law enforcement to assist them in their work.”

Governor Healey herself has not yet spoken publicly about the incident, though political observers expect her to address it in the coming days as the fallout intensifies.

Political Fallout and Republican Reactions

Predictably, the scandal has sparked intense political backlash. With the 2026 gubernatorial race already heating up, Republican challengers seized on the news to criticize Healey’s management and oversight.

Mike Kennealy, a GOP candidate and former state economic official, posted a sharp rebuke on social media soon after news of the arrest broke.

“Healey has lost control of every aspect of her administration,” Kennealy wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “When I’m Governor, we’ll clean up the mess that Maura Healey created.”

Other conservatives echoed the sentiment, arguing that the case reflects a broader culture of mismanagement within the state government.

Some political commentators, however, warned against rushing to judgment, noting that no evidence has surfaced suggesting Healey or her senior staff were aware of Cook’s alleged activities. Still, the optics are undeniably damaging for a governor whose administration has prided itself on integrity and transparency.

Inside the Investigation

Authorities have not disclosed how long Cook was allegedly involved in the drug trafficking scheme, but sources familiar with the investigation say federal agencies may soon become involved due to the scope of the operation and the interstate nature of the shipments.

Investigators are also exploring whether Cook’s position inside the government gave him access or leverage that helped facilitate the smuggling of narcotics into state property.

“This wasn’t a small-time operation,” a law enforcement official told Boston 25 News. “The quantities of cocaine involved and the logistics suggest coordination and inside knowledge.”

Cook’s arrest comes as Massachusetts and other New England states continue to grapple with a surge in cocaine and fentanyl trafficking, often linked to larger organized crime syndicates operating across the Northeast.

Community Reaction: Shock and Disbelief

Residents in western Massachusetts, where Cook was based, expressed disbelief over the allegations. Many noted that Cook had been visible at community events, promoting the governor’s initiatives on public safety and regional development — making the charges all the more jarring.

“It’s surreal,” said one Springfield city official who worked with Cook on outreach programs. “He was always professional and community-focused. Nobody saw this coming.”

Yet, others say the case underscores growing concerns about oversight within state offices. Some critics argue that Healey’s administration expanded too quickly without ensuring adequate background checks or internal accountability mechanisms for regional appointees.

What’s Next

Cook appeared in Springfield District Court on Wednesday, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges. The judge ordered him held on $25,000 bail pending further hearings.

If convicted, Cook faces decades in prison for the trafficking charge alone, in addition to potential weapons offenses.

District Attorney Gulluni confirmed that additional arrests could follow as investigators trace the supply chain that connected Cook to larger shipments discovered earlier in the investigation.

Meanwhile, the state government faces uncomfortable questions about how a senior official was allegedly able to move large quantities of narcotics through a state-owned building without detection.

For Governor Healey, who has long cultivated a reputation as a reformer and potential national contender, the scandal comes at a politically vulnerable moment — just as she prepares for a tough re-election fight and the eyes of the Democratic establishment remain fixed on her future ambitions.