MARYLAND
WBAL
[with video]
BALTIMORE —The Episcopal bishop charged in the death of bicyclist Thomas Palermo admitted in court Monday that she has an alcohol problem.
Bishop Heather Cook was charged Friday with manslaughter and drunken driving in the Dec. 27 crash on Roland Avenue in north Baltimore. Prosecutors said Cook blew a .22 in a breath test after the crash, was texting while driving and left the scene, failing to return for 30 minutes.
Cook is apparently being held in protective custody at the Women’s Detention Center. She appeared for her bail hearing Monday via video wearing a pink jumpsuit.
In arguing for a judge to lower Cook’s bail, attorney Jose Molina disclosed she has been in alcohol treatment since the crash. Molina cited Cook’s position as the second-highest ranking official in the Episcopal Church to argue she is no risk to flee.
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