Ex-Aide to Governor Uses Taxpayer Help for Disney Trip While Facing Serious Charges

Who Is LaMar Cook and What Happened?

LaMar Cook used to work as an aide (helper) for Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. He was in charge of things in Western Massachusetts.

But in October, police arrested him. They say they caught a package with about 18 pounds of cocaine sent to his office. He was fired right away.

Cook is now facing big criminal charges, like:

• Trafficking (selling) a lot of cocaine
• Planning to break drug laws
• Having a gun without permission
• Having bullets without permission
• Driving without a license

Important Point: Healey said his actions were "a major breach of public trust" and "unacceptable."

Taxpayer Money Funds a Disney Vacation

While Cook is out on bail (money paid to leave jail before trial), he went on a vacation to Walt Disney World in Florida.

Here is the surprising part:

• Cook gets SNAP benefits (food money from the government, also called EBT cards).
• He is using that card at supermarkets near Disney.
• That food money comes from taxpayers (people who pay taxes).

The state agency (DTA) confirmed he gets these benefits.

Why Is He Allowed to Get SNAP?

You might wonder: "He has serious charges—why is he getting free food money?"

The state explained it like this:

• SNAP rules are made by the federal government (the big national government, not the state).
• The state is NOT allowed to stop someone from getting SNAP just because they have pending (not yet decided) criminal charges.
• SNAP is 100% paid for by federal dollars.

Important Point: The state says their hands are tied by federal law. They cannot block his benefits.

Other Money Cook Got From the State

This is not the only time money connected to Cook came from the state.

1. The $31,000 Mistake

Right after he was fired, the governor’s office "mistakenly" gave Cook a $31,000 contract buyout (extra money when leaving a job). He should NOT have gotten it because he was fired for serious crimes.

Governor Healey said:

• "I’m really upset about that."
• "It was a mistake, it’s unacceptable."
• They are trying to make sure it never happens again.

But the state could not get the money back—Cook already spent it.

2. Brother’s Mom Won the Lottery

After Cook got out on lowered bail ($25,000 instead of $75,000), something wild happened.

Ten days later:

• Sabrinna Marshall, the mother of Cook’s late brother, won $1 million in a state lottery game.
• She took a smaller amount: $650,000 before taxes.
• She said she plans to help family and fix her home.

We are not totally sure if she is Cook’s biological (birth) mom, or if they only share a dad.

What About Using EBT Out of State?

New rules let people use EBT cards in other states. But Brian Shortsleeve, a person running to be the next governor (Republican), wants to stop that.

Quick Timeline of Events

1. October: Cook arrested with cocaine at his office; fired by Healey.
2. January: News shows Cook got $31,000 by mistake from state.
3. February: Cook indicted (formally charged) with 5 crimes.
4. March: Cook released on $25,000 bail.
5. March+10 days: His brother’s mom wins $1 million lottery.
6. Now: Cook on Disney trip using SNAP EBT card.

Summary

LaMar Cook, a former governor’s aide facing drug and gun charges, is on a Florida Disney vacation partly paid by taxpayer food benefits (SNAP). He also got a $31,000 state payout by mistake and his brother’s mom won $650,000 from a state lottery. The state says federal law forces them to give him SNAP even with pending charges. The governor called the payout a mistake, but the money is gone.

FAQ

Q: What is SNAP?
A: SNAP is a federal program that gives low-income people money on an EBT card to buy food. It is paid by national tax dollars.

Q: Why can Cook use SNAP in Florida?
A: New rules allow EBT out of state, and federal law says the state cannot block him just for having criminal charges pending.

Q: Did the state mean to give Cook $31,000?
A: No. The governor said it was a mistake and unacceptable, but Cook already spent it.

Q: Is the lottery winner Cook’s mom?
A: She is the mother of his late brother. It is unclear if she is Cook’s birth mom too.