SPRINGFIELD, MASS. (WHDH) - A former staffer for Governor Maura Healey accused of cocaine trafficking will be held without the right to bail following a dangerousness hearing Friday.
Lamar Cook, 45, of Springfield, was the Deputy Director for the Governor’s regional office in Springfield. He was arrested and charged with several firearm and narcotics-related offenses, according to the Hampden District Attorney’s Office.
Cook is accused of trafficking 200 grams or more of cocaine, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. Prosecutors said he had about 17 pounds of Cocaine delivered to the state office building. They also said he had 28 pounds of cocaine sent to Hotel UMass in Amherst.
The judge at Friday’s hearing ruled that Cook still posed a risk to the public.
“I find based on clear and convincing evidence no conditions of release imposed upon the defendant would reasonably ensure the safety of the community. I therefore order the detention of the defendant pending trial,” the judge said.
Kedar Ismail, Cook’s defense attorney, said he did not expect the ruling and plans to appeal the decision.
“I’m a bit surprised, especially when we have cases like this routinely,” he said. “I’m going to be setting up appeals so we can get that heard by a Superior Court Justice so we can find someone who agrees on what happened today. Our bedrock principles that are afforded to every defendant who comes into our hall of justice — innocent until proven guilty.”
A not guilty plea was entered on Cook’s behalf earlier this week.
He is expected back in court on December 1.
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