Mass. Ex-Official Charged With SNAP Fraud Amid Legal Troubles
Former Massachusetts state appointee faces charges for allegedly defrauding the SNAP program while under criminal indictment.
2 min read
Massachusetts former state appointee Lamar Cook has been charged with fraudulently obtaining benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). Cook, who was appointed by Governor Maura Healey in 2023 as deputy director in Springfield, lost his position in 2025 after being charged with alleged drug and firearm offenses.
SNAP Fraud Allegations
Cook applied for SNAP benefits in April 2026, claiming to have no income and less than $100 in his bank account. However, court filings indicate he had nearly $9,000 in his account at the time. He also claimed that he and a minor child were the only members of his household, despite his mother and fiancée living with him. His fiancée, who earned over $80,000 annually from Springfield Public Schools, also used his EBT card, which was not authorized.
Cook received approximately $546 per month in SNAP benefits, which he used for grocery and retail purchases in Massachusetts and during a trip to Florida in July. Court documents also show that his bank account held over $13,000 as of January 2026 and more than $8,800 in April 2026. Additionally, Cook received a federal and state tax refund in May 2026 for his 2025 employment, totaling $2,497.88.
Family and Financial Context
Cook’s mother allegedly won $1 million in the Massachusetts Lottery in early 2026 and made numerous Zelle payments to him, totaling around $12,000 between May and June 2026. Despite this financial support, Cook continued to claim he had no income and relied on SNAP benefits.
“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,” said U.S. Department of Agriculture Inspector General John Walk. “This former state employee lied about his income and family situation to cheat the program. He will now face justice.”
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts also attempted to reverse direct deposits for Cook’s accrued vacation leave, but the process failed due to insufficient funds. This has raised questions about the state’s financial management and oversight.
Source: PJ Media
