A judge revoked bail Thursday for LaMar D. Cook, a former aide to Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, ordering him back to jail amid new federal charges accusing him of fraudulently obtaining food assistance benefits. Cook, 46, faces allegations from the U.S. Attorney’s Office that he lied about his income to receive nearly $550 monthly in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Cook, of Springfield, Massachusetts, was charged Wednesday with SNAP fraud and wire fraud, accused of falsely reporting zero income and having less than $100 in his bank account to qualify for the program. Despite maintaining bank balances ranging from around $8,800 in April to $13,000 in January 2024, federal prosecutors argue he sought benefits under fraudulent pretenses. Additionally, authorities noted that Cook’s mother had won approximately $1 million in the Massachusetts Lottery earlier this year, subsequently sending him roughly $12,000 in payments from May to June. U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley criticized the situation, questioning how a person in Cook’s financial position could be approved for taxpayer-funded benefits.
Cook had been previously released on $25,000 bail after facing state gun and drug trafficking charges related to an October 2023 arrest. State prosecutors allege that about 17 pounds of cocaine, destined for delivery to the Springfield state building where Cook worked, were seized in connection with the case. Initially held without bail due to concerns he posed a danger to the community, Cook was later granted bail following a review by Hampden Superior Court.
On Thursday, Hampden County Judge David Hodge granted a motion from state prosecutors to revoke Cook’s bail for 90 days, citing probable cause of his federal law violation and a perceived risk that Cook would not comply with release conditions. Cook’s attorney, Kedar Ismail, expressed respect for the judge’s decision but contended that the bail revocation was politically motivated. “If this wasn’t LaMar Cook, I couldn’t see this being up for revocation,” Ismail said in court.
Governor Healey, who appointed Cook to his role in 2023, commented on Wednesday that the federal charges were a positive development and highlighted that SNAP is a federal program. She noted that Cook’s eligibility for assistance came through that federal system. Cook has previously acknowledged receiving SNAP benefits and responded to media scrutiny in July after reports surfaced of him using the benefits in Florida, attributed to a combination of earned vacation pay and family funds.
The case continues to draw attention as both state and federal authorities investigate Cook’s activities, underscoring broader questions about oversight within public employee conduct and benefit programs.