Judge denies bail review for former governor's aide LaMar Cook in Springfield drug case

The former deputy director of Massachusetts, Lamar Cook, was back in court today for a bail hearing surrounding cocaine trafficking charges from last year. >> 22 News reporter Nick Antinoakis was in the courtroom and has a full recap. >> At this point, based on what's been presented, my understanding of the state of the law, um, I do not believe that there's authority for further review here in the Superior Court. The former deputy director of Western Massachusetts and aid to Governor Mara Healey was denied another bail review in court today. Cook was arrested back in October for allegedly trafficking almost 21 kg of cocaine. 8 kgs were intercepted from the Springfield State Office building and another 12 were seized from Hotel UMass where Cook formerly served as the director. His defense team didn't challenge the $10,000 bail he faces for allegedly unlawfully possessing a firearm, but they did want another review of the bail surrounding the cocaine trafficking and 200 g or more charge. >> The judge gave her answer. I respect the law and I respect what she said and we'll be back fighting again for Mr. Cook. We filed a uh a litany of motions. I'm expecting a lot of things to come out soon, but the Commonwealth has their time just like I have mine. Um, I'm looking for a reduced bail in the future while his family is still trying to get the money up and we're still fighting the case, sir. >> The hearing follows news of the Healey Driscoll administration admitting to mistakenly paying Cook more than $31,000 in unused vacation time after his arrest. I asked his defense attorney, Kadar Ishmael, about it, and he had no comments. working for you. Nick Antonis 22 News.