Prominent Maryland Lobbyist Convicted of Marijuana Possession |
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Lobbyist Ira C. Cooke was convicted on marijuana possession charges and sentenced to spend a weekend in jail (Justin Blum, "Maryland Lobbyist Given Weekend in Jail for Possessing Marijuana," Washington Post, Dec. 14, 1994, p. D3).
Cooke was arrested on March 30, 1994 at his home for possession of less than two grams of marijuana. He has faced two other possession charges in the last two years.
During his trial, Cooke's attorney J. William Pitcher said Cooke was suffering from depression and alcoholism. Cooke's psychiatrist, alcohol counselor, and rabbi testified at his trial.
Cooke lobbies in the areas of health care, gaming, insurance, and commercial real estate.