Politics
Federal officials accuse ex-Healey aide of concealing income to obtain SNAP benefits
LaMar Cook, already awaiting trial on cocaine and firearm charges, is accused of receiving more than $500 a month in SNAP benefits despite having undisclosed funds and living with other household members. The case also revives questions about a state payout he received after being fired from Gov. Maura Healey’s office.
LaMar Cook, a former deputy director in Gov. Maura Healey’s western Massachusetts office, is accused of hiding income and household information to receive more than $500 a month in federal food assistance while awaiting trial on cocaine and firearm charges.
Cook, a Springfield resident, was scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston at 2 p.m. Wednesday, according to the U.S. attorney’s office for Massachusetts. A public defender listed as his lawyer declined to comment.
Federal prosecutors allege Cook applied for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits on April 6, reporting no income and $100 in his bank account. But they say he had at least one account with more than $8,800 when he applied.
Charging documents say Cook listed only himself and his child as members of his household. Prosecutors allege he also lived with his fiancée, a Springfield Public Schools employee who earned more than $80,000 a year, and her mother. Cook allegedly used the benefits for grocery purchases in Massachusetts and during a July trip to Florida. His fiancée, whom he did not list as a household member, also allegedly used the funds for household purchases.
Cook had previously been charged with cocaine trafficking and firearm offenses. Healey’s office said he was fired after those charges were announced in October 2025.
After his firing, Cook received his $130,227 salary and $22,374.29 in accrued vacation pay, according to the U.S. attorney’s office. The state later determined the vacation payout was made in error and tried to reverse the deposit, but could not recover the money because Cook’s account lacked sufficient funds. The Massachusetts attorney general’s office sued in January to recoup the excess payment.
Prosecutors also say Cook received $2,497.88 in tax refunds in May and about $12,000 in Zelle payments from his mother, who had recently won $1 million in the lottery.
U.S. Attorney Leah Foley called the alleged conduct “egregious,” saying SNAP is intended for people who need assistance, not those who conceal income to meet eligibility requirements. Foley also criticized the state’s inability to prevent the vacation payout and questioned its administration of the SNAP program.
The allegations have not been proven in court. Cook’s case places renewed attention on both the controls used to determine eligibility for food assistance and the state’s handling of the erroneous payment.