WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
  • Former Healey appointee Lamar Cook faces a federal charge alleging he dishonestly obtained SNAP benefits.
  • Cook allegedly claimed no income and less than $100 in savings despite holding nearly $9,000 in his bank account.
  • Cook received approximately $546 monthly in SNAP benefits, which were used in Massachusetts and during a Florida trip.
  • His fiancée allegedly used the EBT card despite lacking authorization.

A former appointee of Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey is facing a new fraud charge tied to benefits intended for struggling Americans. The Department of Justice confirmed Wednesday that Lamar Cook was charged with dishonestly obtaining taxpayer money through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Healey, a Democrat, appointed Cook in 2023 as Western Mass. deputy director in Springfield. By 2025, he was out of that office after evidence led the Hampden District Attorney’s Office to charge him over alleged cocaine trafficking and firearm offenses.

Cook had been earning an annual salary of $130,227. After leaving office, he also received $22,374.29 in net pay for accrued vacation leave, creating yet another embarrassing episode for the Healey administration.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts later acknowledged a payment problem. It said it “realized an error in paying Mr. Cook for accrued vacation leave time; the Commonwealth attempted to reverse the direct deposits, but it could not do so due to insufficient funds available in the accounts.”

Gold. Upgraded. Buy real gold from $1. Store it in America. Sell it with one click.

MORE NEWS: CNN Data: Mamdani and Hochul Send New York Jewish Voters Fleeing Democrats [WATCH]

Cook allegedly continued receiving more than $500 per month while on court-ordered pretrial release in connection with the pending state indictment.

According to federal court filings, Cook’s bank account held approximately $13,000 as of January 2026. The balance was still more than $8,800 in April 2026, hardly matching the financial picture he would soon present when seeking food assistance.

Cook also allegedly received a federal and state tax refund in May 2026 connected to his employment with the Governor’s Office during the 2025 calendar year. That refund totaled $2,497.88, according to the court documents.

His family finances added another striking element. Court documents stated that Cook’s mother won approximately $1 million in the Massachusetts Lottery in early 2026 and allegedly sent him numerous Zelle payments totaling approximately $12,000 between May and June 2026.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Following recent reports that Congress is considering a nationwide voter ID requirement for federal elections, do you support requiring voters to show identification before casting a ballot?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from LifeZette, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

Despite those resources, Cook applied for SNAP benefits in April 2026. He allegedly claimed that he had no income, possessed less than $100 in his bank account, and shared his household only with a minor child.

The court filings presented a far different picture. Cook allegedly had nearly $9,000 in the bank at the time, while both his mother and his fiancée were living with him.

Cook’s fiancée earned more than $80,000 annually through Springfield Public Schools. Her presence and income were not reflected in the household description Cook allegedly supplied with his SNAP application.

Cook subsequently received approximately $546 each month in SNAP benefits. Those benefits were used at grocery and retail stores in Massachusetts, but their use did not stop at the state line.

Close

MORE NEWS: Bombshell Ilhan Omar Probe Could Explode Into Wider Conspiracy Case as Feds Seize Phone [WATCH]

The benefits were also used during a trip to Florida in July. His fiancée allegedly used the EBT card as well, even though she was not authorized to do so, adding another layer to the government’s case.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Inspector General John Walk condemned the alleged conduct in unusually blunt terms. “It is an unconscionable betrayal of the public trust for a former state official with a pending indictment for drug and gun offenses to then also steal SNAP benefits from the American taxpayer – food assistance benefits intended for low-income Americans,” Walk said.

“This former state employee lied about his income and family situation to cheat the program. He will now face justice,” Walk added. The accusation paints a remarkable picture of a former state official allegedly collecting food benefits while holding substantial funds and receiving money from multiple sources.

The case leaves Healey’s administration with another deeply unflattering headline involving a former appointee. Cook was already facing allegations involving cocaine trafficking and firearms when, according to federal authorities, he chose to pursue taxpayer-funded food assistance by providing false financial and household information.

SNAP is intended to provide food assistance for people who cannot afford it. Federal authorities allege Cook instead used the program while maintaining thousands of dollars in his account, receiving additional payments, and traveling to Florida.

Gold is the oldest answer. SoundMoney makes owning it as easy as the apps you already use.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.