Lawyer for former Healey aide seeks client’s release after drug-trafficking charge

SPRINGFIELD — A defense attorney for former governor's aide LaMar Cook is battling to get his client out of jail, after Cook was ordered held following his arrest for allegedly trafficking cocaine to a state building in Springfield.

Cook, 45, was the deputy director of Gov. Maura Healey's regional office in Springfield for two years. He is accused of receiving 21 kilos of the drug at the UMass Amherst Hotel, his former employer, and to the state building on Dwight Street.

Defense lawyer Kedar K. Ismail argued to a Superior Court judge on Friday that Cook was being unfairly held without the right to bail after a dangerousness hearing Oct. 31 .

"How are there no conditions of release that would quell the concerns of the Commonwealth?" Ismail asked Judge William Ritter.

Ritter took the matter of allowing bail under advisement.

Ismail also referred to a prosecutor's argument that Cook posed a flight risk in part because he recently traveled to Mexico.

"There were no margaritas in Mexico, judge. He (returned) home to his family," the attorney said.

Cook, who wore a white polo shirt and Louis Vuitton sneakers to court, was not arrested on that day, but three days later when state police pulled him over in his car.

Assistant Hampden District Attorney Kerry Beattie argued Friday, as she did in a prior dangerousness hearing, that Cook presents a danger to the community and should not be let out on bail pending trial.

"He's holding himself as a community leader … he's conning everyone," Beattie told Ritter. "This poison leads to violence and shootings ... It starts somewhere. And it starts with Mr. Cook."

She urged no release or a $500,000 cash bail, while Ismail argued for $15,000 bail.

Healey has said little about the case except that Cook was immediately fired. Her office has not responded to questions regarding his resume or references.

Cook faces a mandatory minimum of 12 years in prison if convicted of the trafficking offense. He also was charged with driving without a license and having an illegal firearm.

Ismail, however, argued to Ritter that the gun was registered to a family member, who intends to submit an affidavit to that effect.

Beattie said Cook retrieved three packages of cocaine — two in Amherst and one in Springfield.

"This wasn't just a one-off. He wasn't waiting for a package," she argued.

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