MARYLAND
Virtue Online
By Mary Ann Mueller
VOL Special Correspondent
www.virtueonline.org
September 9, 2015
BALTIMORE, MD — Former Episcopal Bishop Heather Cook was grayer and looked 10 years older as she pleaded guilty in Baltimore City Circuit Court, Tuesday (Sept. 8), a ploy which would bring to an end the legal rollercoaster ride, which started on Dec. 27, 2014, when the intoxicated bishop hit bicyclist Thomas Palermo in North Baltimore bike lane and killed him. While in court, Cook admitted to vehicular manslaughter, drunk driving, texting while driving, as well as leaving the scene of an accident.
As a result of a carefully crafted plea bargain between the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office and Cook’s legal team, — headed by Towson, Maryland, criminal defense attorney David Irwin, — the defrocked bishop could be facing as much as 10 years behind bars for her crime, coupled with five years probation after she gets out.
The prosecution, handled by Assistant Baltimore City State’s Attorney Kurt Bjorklund, is asking for 20 years but will suspend half of it.
Associate Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Timothy Doory said he would sentence Cook on October 27. When the late October sentencing date rolls around, he indicated he would not sentence the former bishop to any more time than prosecutors are seeking. He does have the discretion to lessen her time behind bars.
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