Former Healey Staffer Accused of Fraudulently Obtaining SNAP Benefits
- On Wednesday, federal authorities arrested LaMar Cook, former deputy director for Governor Maura Healey, on charges of wire fraud and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program fraud while he awaited trial on separate state drug charges.
- Prosecutors allege Cook falsely claimed zero income and less than $100 in his bank account when applying for SNAP benefits on April 6, 2026, while concealing his fiancée's $80,000 annual income and approximately $12,000 in maternal payments.
- Federal officials stated Cook received $546 monthly in benefits used at Massachusetts retailers and during a July 2026 Florida trip; retail records show his fiancée frequently used his EBT card for household purchases despite not being listed on his application.
- U.S. Attorney Leah Foley called the actions "egregious," stating SNAP benefits are for those who need them, not those who "allegedly hide income to circumvent the financial requirements." Inspector General John Walk labeled the conduct an "unconscionable betrayal of the public trust."
- Cook faces up to five years in prison for SNAP fraud and up to 20 years for wire fraud; these federal charges remain separate from his pending state case involving cocaine and firearm offenses from his October 2025 indictment.
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Gov. Healey slammed for blaming feds for aide’s SNAP arrest
The feds and her rival are blasting Gov. Maura Healey for deflecting blame for letting now twice-charged, fired aide LaMar Cook collect SNAP benefits. Cook, Healey’s former $113,400 deputy director for Western Massachusetts, was charged with SNAP fraud and wire…
Former aide to Gov. Healey appears in court on fraud charges - Boston News, Weather, Sports
A former aide to Governor Maura Healey, who is on pre-trial release for state drug and gun charges, is accused of lying about finances to qualify for SNAP benefits. Lamar Cook appeared in court on Wednesday. Prosecutors said Cook claimed to have zero income and less than $100 in his bank account when he applied for supplemental income for food earlier this year. They said Cook received over $540 a month in SNAP benefits based on the application.…
Former Healey aide charged with SNAP fraud committed while on bail for cocaine and firearm offenses
U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Leah Foley's office has accused Cook of receiving more than $500 in monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits while on bail awaiting trial for his cocaine and gun charges.
Former aide to Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey and alleged cocaine dealer charged with SNAP, wire fraud
BOSTON — Lamar Cook, Gov. Maura Healey’s former deputy director for Western Massachusetts accused of drug trafficking out of state buildings, has been charged with SNAP benefits fraud by federal investigators.
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