Crime

Bishop charged in cyclist death posts $2.5M bond

/ AP

BALTIMORE - An Episcopal bishop facing manslaughter charges after authorities say she struck a cyclist while driving drunk in Baltimore has been released from jail after posting $2.5 million bond.

Documents show Heather Cook was released on Thursday. She was charged with manslaughter, drunken driving and other related charges after striking and killing Tom Palermo while he was riding his bicycle. Cook registered 0.22 blood-alcohol content during a breath test shortly after the wreck. The legal limit in Maryland is 0.08.

An attorney representing Cook says she is returning to an inpatient alcohol treatment facility. Cook is not permitted to drive.

Earlier this week, a judge upheld the $2.5 million bond and CBS Baltimore reported her attorney described her chances of posting that bail "highly unlikely."

Cook is the second-highest ranking bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland and its first female bishop. She was ordained as bishop in September.

First published on January 16, 2015 / 5:12 PM EST

AP

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