An Illinois judge accused of heroin and gun possession stepped down from the bench Wednesday, weeks after after a fellow judge died of a cocaine overdose while the two were on a hunting trip.
St. Clair County Circuit Judge Michael Cook sent a letter of resignation, minus explanation, through his attorney to the chief judge, John Baricevic, according to the Associated Press.
He was charged last week with heroin possession and having a gun while illegally using drugs, AP reported. He’s pleaded not guilty to both counts.
The state Supreme Court must now choose a replacement.
In March, Mr. Cook’s colleague Joe Christ died of a cocaine overdose while at Mr. Cook’s hunting cabin in western Illinois’ Pike County. The investigation is ongoing, AP reported.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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