Massachusetts' Democrat Governor, Maura Healey, is embroiled in a significant controversy after her administration used thousands of dollars in public funds to pay a severance to a senior aide later arrested on charges of cocaine trafficking.
The Controversial Payout and Arrest
Governor Healey, who is up for re-election, authorised a payment of $31,439 to LaMar Cook. This sum was part of a buyout clause in his contract and came on top of his annual base salary of $98,789. The payment was made after Cook was arrested in October.
The arrest followed a police operation where authorities intercepted a package containing eight kilograms, or nearly 18 pounds, of cocaine destined for the governor's Springfield office. A state trooper posed as a delivery worker to hand the parcel to Cook, who was allegedly waiting at the state building to receive it.
Cook, 45, was subsequently fired from his role as deputy director of the governor's Western Massachusetts office. He now faces serious charges, including cocaine trafficking, carrying a gun and ammunition without a licence, and driving without a licence. He has pleaded not guilty in Springfield District Court.
Administration U-Turn and Political Fallout
Following public ridicule and backlash from constituents, Governor Healey's office performed a sharp U-turn. Officials stated the payment to Cook was "made in error" and claimed they had "taken action to get it back." A spokesperson emphasised, "Taxpayer dollars should never go to an individual who engaged in this type of outrageous criminal activity."
However, recovery of the funds has proven difficult. The Governor's Office informed the Boston Herald that Cook was notified last month to return the money but has not yet complied. Legal action is now being prepared, with plans to file a complaint against the former aide next week.
Healey's political opponents seized on the scandal. GOP candidate Brian Shortsleeve demanded an investigation, questioning who authorised the payment and what safeguards failed. "We already know Healey was aware of Cook’s prior gun charges... And yet, he was still hired," he stated.
Fellow Republican candidate Mike Kennealy criticised what he called a "pattern" of problems, accusing the Healey administration of a "lack of competence and accountability" in basic hiring and payroll procedures.
Background of the Accused and Ongoing Probe
LaMar Cook was appointed by Governor Healey in 2023, with the governor praising him at the time as a "proven leader" with deep community ties in Western Massachusetts. He had served on local committees and co-founded a charitable initiative for schoolchildren.
This was not Cook's first encounter with the law. In 2001, he was arrested in connection with a gunfire incident in Springfield's Mason Square neighbourhood. He was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and unlicensed firearm possession after allegedly being part of a group that fired shots at people on a porch.
The criminal investigation into the cocaine trafficking case remains ongoing. A spokeswoman for Healey confirmed the administration is cooperating with law enforcement. The scandal leaves Governor Healey in an extremely vulnerable position as she campaigns for a second term, facing intense scrutiny over her office's judgement and use of public money.
