Female Episcopal Bishop Pleads Not Guilty of Manslaughter in Maryland Drunk Driving Case

An Episcopal bishop in Maryland charged with manslaughter for the death of a cyclist whom she ran over while driving last December pleaded not guilty in court Thursday.

Bishop Heather Cook, 58, of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, figured in a drunk driving case that led to the death of cyclist Thomas Palermo, 41.

Cook was driving her Subaru last Dec. 27 when she hit Palermo in Roland Park, Baltimore. Palermo was taken to the hospital where he later died.

Prosecutors said they had evidence that Cook did not apply the brakes and her blood alcohol content was 0.22 percent – nearly three times the legal limit – and she was texting before the crash, according to WBAL TV.

Cook is also facing 12 other charges including driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident.

The bishop reportedly fled the scene after the accident and then returned.

In a statement last January, the Maryland Diocese said Cook was on administrative leave and undergoing disciplinary process from the church.

The TV station said during the court proceeding, Palermo's family members were in the courtroom.

"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," said David Irwin, Cook's defense attorney.

In a statement, the Palermo family through Palermo's sister-in-law Alisa Rock said they were disappointed that Cook did not plead guilty.

"Today, in support of my sister, Rachel Palermo, and her young children, our family attended the arraignment of Bishop Heather Cook," she said. "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."

Cook's lawyer did not rule out that possibility of a plea deal.

"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 regard to a resolution of the matter until we go through the initial process," Irwin said.

The Diocese has asked Cook to resign. The bishop is undergoing alcohol abuse treatment.

Her trial will begin on June 4.