Former aide to Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey and alleged cocaine dealer charged with SNAP, wire fraud

Todd Prussman and Tim Dunn, Boston Herald on Oct 14, 2026

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BOSTON — Lamar Cook, Gov. Maura Healey’s former deputy director for Western Massachusetts accused of drug trafficking out of state buildings, has been charged with SNAP benefits fraud by federal investigators.

US Attorney Leah Foley’s office announced Wednesday morning that Cook was being charged with one count of SNAP fraud and wire fraud.

Cook, 46, was arrested on a warrant for the charges on Wednesday.

“The alleged conduct is simply egregious. SNAP benefits are intended to put food on the table for struggling families who cannot make ends meet, not for those who allegedly hide income to circumvent the financial requirements, much less travel to Disney World,” Foley said in a release.

Cook was serving as Healey’s Western Mass. Deputy Director when he was arrested in October after State Police say they intercepted a package containing nearly eight kilograms, or about 18 pounds, of cocaine shipped to his office. He was originally ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing following his arraignment at Springfield District Court.

His case was elevated to the Superior Court level following his indictment Feb. 12 on five charges: trafficking in 200 grams or more of cocaine, conspiracy to violate drug laws, possession of a gun without a firearms identification card, possession of ammunition without a firearms identification card, and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

During a court appearance in Springfield earlier this year, Cook confirmed to the Herald that he was receiving SNAP benefits, claiming that he was entitled to them.

“I have no income, okay? So, I think anyone who’s facing hardships in the Commonwealth and has no income (should receive benefits),” Cook said earlier this year.

In addition, he boasted about going to Disney World.

“I loved it. It was a great time. Had a family reunion,” Cook told the Herald.

The charges sparked outrage among federal authorities.

“It is an unconscionable betrayal of the public trust for a former state official with a pending indictment for drug and gun offenses to then also steal SNAP benefits from the American taxpayer – food assistance benefits intended for low-income Americans,” said U.S. Department of Agriculture Inspector General John Walk. “This former state employee lied about his income and family situation to cheat the program. He will now face justice.”

Cook received approximately $546 per month in SNAP benefits, according to Foley’s office.

The former Healey aide’s SNAP benefits were allegedly used regularly at grocery and retail stores in Massachusetts and on a July 2026 trip to Florida.

In addition, Retail surveillance and transaction records show Cook’s fiancée frequently used his EBT card to make purchases for the household, despite not being listed as a member of his household on Cook’s SNAP application.

The charge of SNAP fraud provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, according to the feds.

The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Cook is due to appear in federal court in Boston later Wednesday.

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