ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, January 25, 1996 TAG: 9601250051
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-12 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
MEMO: shorter version ran in the Metro edition.
Ex-church official admits embezzling
NEWARK, N.J. - The former treasurer of the Episcopal Church admitted in court Wednesday that she embezzled more than $1.5 million, but claimed she is mentally ill and can't even remember some of what she did.
Ellen F. Cooke, 52, said she deposited church checks in her own account, misused her church credit card and used church checks to pay for private schools attended by her children.
Cooke, whose husband is a former Episcopal priest, worked at church headquarters in New York from 1986 to 1995. She faces about three years in prison and could be fined twice the amount stolen when she is sentenced April 29.
Cooke is being treated by a psychiatrist for what the defense calls ``bipolar mood disorder,'' which causes mood swings."
- Associated Press
Ruling scuttles Seniors Coalition
WASHINGTON - The top management of the 2million-member Seniors Coalition, which led the charge last year on behalf of Republican efforts to rein in Medicare, has collapsed following a Virginia Supreme Court decision.
The court's Jan. 12 ruling returned control of the organization to a board of directors that had been ousted several years ago. Following the change, all but a half-dozen of the organization's 25-member staff resigned, said its former lobbyist, Jake Hansen.
``We were considered one of the top lobbying organizations in Washington. To have it all turn to ashes overnight is disappointing,'' he said.
- Associated Press
Agency recalls infant car seats
WASHINGTON - The government said Wednesday that 15,370 infant car seats are being recalled as possible safety hazards in car crashes.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the rear-facing Dreamride Ultra infant seats failed a government crash test by tipping more than 70 degrees toward the front of the car.
NHTSA urged parents with the seat to contact Cosco to receive a reinforcement kit.
The company's telephone number is (800) 314-9327.
- Associated Press
LENGTH: Medium: 51 linesby CNB