**Former Healey Staffer Accused of Cocaine Trafficking Granted Bail After Judge’s Review**

SPRINGFIELD, MASS. (WHDH) — A former staffer for Governor Maura Healey, previously held without bail after being accused of cocaine trafficking, can now be released on bail following a judge’s decision to modify his detention status.

Lamar Cook, 45, of Springfield, served as the Deputy Director for the Governor’s regional office in Springfield. Cook was arrested late last month and charged with several firearm and narcotics-related offenses, according to the Hampden District Attorney’s Office.

After a dangerousness hearing on October 31, Cook was ordered held without bail. However, a motion to review that detention order under Section 58A was later filed by the defense and heard in Hampden Superior Court on Friday, November 7.

“After taking the matter under advisement, a Superior Court judge issued a decision on [Wednesday] finding that while Cook remains a danger, new conditions could be imposed to ensure the safety of the community,” the Hampden District Attorney’s Office said in a statement.

Bail on the trafficking charge was set at $75,000, and Cook was ordered to forfeit his passport as a condition of release.

Cook stands accused of trafficking 200 grams or more of cocaine, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. Prosecutors allege that he had approximately 17 pounds of cocaine delivered to the state office building and an additional 28 pounds sent to Hotel UMass in Amherst.

The case remains under investigation.
https://whdh.com/news/bail-set-for-former-healey-staff-arrested-in-cocaine-trafficking-case/