SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - A Hampden County judge has modified the detention order for a man accused in a drug trafficking case.

Lamar Cook, 45, was arrested on October 28 after an investigation which led to the seizure of several packages that reportedly contained a combined approximately 21 grams of suspected cocaine, including approximately eight kilograms that were intercepted during a controlled delivery at the state office building in Springfield.  Until his arrest, Cook had served as deputy director of Gov. Maura Healey’s western Massachusetts office, which is located in that building.

Cook is facing charges including trafficking in cocaine (200 grams or more), unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.  The case remains an ongoing investigation.

Payton North, spokesperson for the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, said that Cook was ordered held without the right to bail per the state’s dangerousness statute on October 31.  After that initial hearing, Cook’s attorneys reportedly filed a motion to review that detention order, which was heard on Friday.  North explained that, on Wednesday, a judge ruled that, while Cook may allegedly remain a danger, conditions could be imposed that would help ensure the public’s safety and bail was set at $75,000.  In addition, Cook must also surrender his passport.  With regards to the gun case, the judge reduced Cook’s bail from $25,000 to $10,000 cash.

The case remains an active and ongoing investigation.

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