Former Massachusetts aide charged with SNAP and wire fraud

Lamar Cook, a former Massachusetts state official, was arrested October 14 on federal charges of SNAP fraud and wire fraud, after prosecutors alleged he concealed household income and assets to obtain food assistance. He was expected to appear in federal court in Boston that day. The charges are allegations, and the supplied reports do not establish a court finding or conviction. According to federal court filings, Cook applied for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits on April 6, 2026. His application said he had no income, less than $100 in his bank account and a household consisting of himself and his minor child. Filings say his account held more than $8,800 that day. Prosecutors allege Cook did not disclose that his fiancée lived in the household and earned more than $80,000 a year working for Springfield Public Schools. They also allege she frequently used his EBT card for household purchases, although she was not listed on his application. The filings describe the household and card use; those claims have not been tested in court in the material provided. Cook received about $546 a month in SNAP benefits, according to federal authorities.