Bishop Heather Cook Resigns

WBAL
May 1, 2015

http://www.wbaltv.com/news/diocese-bishop-heather-cook-resigns/32708144

Episcopal Bishop Heather Cook

The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland announced Friday it has accepted the resignation of Bishop Heather Cook.

The statement said Cook is no longer employed by the diocese and that her resignation is independent of any disciplinary action the diocese could take.

The diocese sought Cook's resignation in January after she was charged in the death of bicyclist Thomas Palermo. A trial date is set for June 4.

Prosecutors have said they have evidence that Cook did not apply the brakes on her Subaru during the crash that killed 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.

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

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