Prosecutors charged Episcopal Bishop Heather Cook with manslaughter Friday in the death of a bicyclist in Roland Park after Christmas.
Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby announced the charges during a news conference on the death of the bicyclist, 41-year-old Thomas Palermo.
In addition to manslaughter, Cook is charged with driving under the influence, texting while driving and leaving the scene of an accident. The manslaughter charge carries a 10-year maximum sentence.
According to charging documents, both Palermo and Cook were heading south on Roland Avenue on the afternoon of Dec. 27. Cook was texting when her Subaru crossed into the bike lane, striking Palermo from behind.
Palermo landed on the hood and windshield of Cook’s car before falling off to the curb.
Cook drove away and returned 30 minutes later. Police said Cook’s breathalyzer test read .22, well above the legal limit of .08.
The Right Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland said in a statement that the diocese was "deeply heartbroken" over Palermo's death and the charges against Cook.
"As we all process and come to understand this tragedy we will continue to be guided by our belief in personal accountability, compassion and the rule of law," Sutton said.
In addition, he said, the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland is cooperating with the national church’s internal investigation into Cook as a clergy leader.
The Baltimore Sun reported Cook has a 2010 conviction for drunk driving in Caroline County.
Cook turned herself in to police late Friday afternoon.