Trial Date Set for Bishop Heather Cook

WBAL
April 2, 2015

http://www.wbaltv.com/news/trial-date-set-for-bishop-heather-cook/32150952

[with video]

A trial date is set for the Maryland Episcopal bishop charged in a fatal drunken driving crash.

Bishop Heather Cook appeared in court Thursday morning, entered a not-guilty plea and received a trial date set for June 4.

Prosecutors said they have evidence that Cook did not apply the brakes on her Subaru during the crash that killed cyclist Tom Palermo in December. Cook's blood-alcohol content was 0.22 -- nearly three times the legal limit -- and she was texting right before the crash, prosecutors said.

The 58-year-old is facing more than a dozen charges, including manslaughter, driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident.

During the brief court proceeding, Palermo's family sat right behind Cook. No words were exchanged during their first encounter in person, though Cook's lawyer spoke with a family representative later.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Palermo family. Ms. Cook can't say anything based on the legal situation and the advice of counsel, but we are all saying our prayers. It's a horrible situation and we will be in court June 4," Cook's defense attorney, David Irwin, said.

"We know this is the first step in a long process, so we are looking forward to having this resolved and to see justice," said Alisa Rock, Palermo's sister-in-law.

Rock also released a statement on behalf of the Palermo family, saying: "Today, in support of my sister, Rachel Palermo, and her young children, our family attended the arraignment of Bishop Heather Cook. We were hopeful that Bishop Heather Cook would do the right thing and take responsibility for her actions by pleading guilty. We are disappointed that this did not happen today, but we know that this is the first step in a long process.

"We thank the Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby and Assistant State's Attorney Kurt Bjorklund for their professionalism and continued dedication to this case. We remain greatly appreciative for the tremendous support that our community has shown for Rachel and her children."

Asked about the possibility of a plea deal, Cook's lawyer did not rule it out.

"The plea, at the moment, is not guilty, but we are going through the discovery. We haven't had any meaningful discussions with the state with a regard to a resolution of the matter until we go through the initial process," Irwin said.

Cook has a previous drunken driving arrest from 2010, which would be a major factor in the terms of punishment she could expect.

Church officials admit knowing Cook had been arrested on DUI charges in 2010, when they elected her as their first female bishop last spring.

Cook is banned from ministry activities. The Maryland Episcopal Diocese is still waiting for Cook to respond to their requests for her resignation.

Cook remains in in-patient treatment for alcohol abuse. Her lawyers would not comment Thursday on discussions with the Episcopal Church to resolve her status.