An Easton father who said his gambling obsession prompted him to leave his three young children unattended in a vehicle at the Sands Casino parking garage hopes to plead guilty a less serious charge in the case, according to his attorney.
Maurice Cook, 30, of the 600 block of Wolfe Avenue, allegedly left children aged 1, 5, and 8 alone in his SUV Aug. 20 for roughly 45 minutes while he played blackjack at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem. When confronted by police, Cook cited his gambling addiction for the admittedly «poor decision,» according to court records.
Cook appeared briefly Monday morning before District Judge Patricia Romig-Passaro to surrender his right to a preliminary hearing in the child endangerment case. By doing so, Cook acknowledges there is sufficient evidence for the case to head to county court where he’ll face trial unless he pleads guilty or some other disposition occurs. Cook faces three counts each of endangering the welfare of a child and recklessly endangering another person.
The 30-year-old’s attorney Christopher Shipman said discussions have been ongoing with Northampton County Assistant District Attorney Patricia Broscius. Pending her approval, Shipman said his client hopes to plead guilty to one count of recklessly endangering another person while the other charges are dismissed. There were no immediate details on sentencing.
«He was very cooperative with police,» Shipman said of Cook. «He was very honest and I give him credit for that.»
A casino patron noticed the children inside the car at 10:15 that morning and tipped off police. Authorities used casino cameras to find Cook on the gaming floor and said he agreed to speak with him when contacted. Police said video showed Cook entering the establishment at 9:32 a.m.
Earlier this year, the casino announced plans to offer kid-friendly centers to watch children while parents spent time at the venue. County District Attorney John Morganelli pledged to prosecute those who abandon kids to gamble when the casino first opened in May 2009.
Cook has been behind bars in county jail since his arrest in late August. Bail remains at $30,000.
