Healey condemns $31K payout to arrested aide

State of play: Cook received $130,227 total in 2025. He was fired after his arrest in October, but the Boston Herald reported he was still paid a contract buyout of more than $30,000.

• State Police intercepted 21 kilograms of cocaine shipped to Healey's Springfield office, where Cook worked.

What she's saying: "I'm really upset about that. I mean, that was a mistake. It was unacceptable," Healey told reporters Wednesday.

• She said new guardrails are in place to prevent future errors.
• Healey called Cook's alleged conduct was "a huge betrayal of the public trust" and she said she was "glad" Cook was denied bail Thursday.

Between the lines: Healey focused on fixes to the payroll system rather than individuals responsible for Cook's payout.

The big picture: The Administration and Finance office admitted the error after the Boston Herald's inquiry and pledged to recover the funds.