Former Deputy director

The Massachusetts Attorney General's office filed a lawsuit on January 7, 2026, seeking to recover $31,438 in vacation pay mistakenly given to a former state employee now facing serious drug trafficking charges.

LaMar Cook, who served as deputy director of Governor Maura Healey's Western Massachusetts district office, received payment for 530 hours of unused vacation time despite being fired for cause. State law prohibits employees terminated for cause from receiving vacation payouts.

The Payment Error

Assistant Attorney General Eric Martignetti explained in the Suffolk County Superior Court filing that the state's Human Resources Division incorrectly paid Cook for vacation time he accumulated while working at the University of Massachusetts and in Healey's office.

Cook earned $115,668 annually in his state position. Beyond the disputed vacation payout, he received $98,789 in regular pay during his employment, according to state payroll records.

After discovering the error, state officials attempted to reverse the direct deposits but encountered insufficient funds in Cook's accounts. The state then demanded repayment, but Cook has not returned the money.

"Mr. Cook received money for accrued vacation leave time that in justice should not be retained by him and that in equity and good conscience should be paid back to the Commonwealth," the lawsuit states.

Timeline of Events

The Healey administration terminated Cook on October 25, 2024. Days later, authorities arrested him on charges of cocaine trafficking, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Investigators seized approximately 21 kilograms of cocaine intended for delivery to Cook at a state office building in Springfield. The investigation originated from drug seizures that occurred during summer 2024.

Cook pleaded not guilty to all charges. A Hampden County judge initially set bail at $75,000 in November 2024 and ordered Cook to surrender his passport as a condition of release. A subsequent bail review request was denied.

Political Fallout

The lawsuit drew criticism from two Republicans seeking to challenge Healey in the November 2026 gubernatorial election.

Mike Kennealy, who served as cabinet secretary under former Governor Charlie Baker, criticized the use of tax dollars "to clean up a huge screw up by the Healey admin."

Brian Shortsleeve, a former MBTA official during the Baker administration, called the situation an "insult to injury," claiming Healey "put taxpayers on the hook for the costs of a lawsuit to recover the $31,000 golden parachute she gave to her alleged cocaine trafficking aide."

The criminal case against Cook remains pending in Hampden County court.

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