Judge says man accused of threatening the president is sane

Judge Orinda Evans struck the mental health evaluation for defendant David Cook when it was determined by a psychiatrist that he was competent. “My client doesn’t need help,” said Cooks attorney, Whitman Matthew Dodge, “He is mentally stable and we are asking the court to strike the mental health portion of the sentencing.” Judge Evans, who was appointed Chief District Judge in 1999, agreed with the Dodge based on the psychiatric evaluation stating that she once was “concerned that [Cook’s] mental state might contribute to him harming people,” but that she will now strike that from his record and sentencing. In 2006, the judge sentenced Cook to 22 months in federal prison, a $300 dollar fine, and three years supervised release. Cook has already served the prison term and his attorney assured the judge that the fine has already been paid as well. Cook told the judge that he is a good human being who has preached to and aided the homeless for over 30 years. “I’ve never had any problems with the law,” said Cook, “Ever since God has come into my life, I’ve been doing well.” Cook says he is a notarized prophet and heard God’s voice in his heart warning him about the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. He said after the attacks he found evidence that there was a conspiracy involved with incidents linking to the government. As evidence, Cook presented two DVDs, one showing the towers falling and the other, a PBS broadcast with a confession of a government official planning the Sept. 11 attacks. He sent this information that he had to the U.S. Marshall. “The next thing I know they showed up at my house to arrest me,” says Cook. Cook was charged with two counts of possession of a firearm and one count of assaulting a police officer. He claims, however, that he has a license to carry a concealed weapon since 1990. He was also charged with false address and making threats against the President. “I was in prison 583 days, 23 hours in a two man cell,” says Cook. He says he was exposed to various diseases and put through a mental health program. Cook believes the government wanted to start a war and that the planes did not cause the World Trade Center’s to collapse because jet fuel cannot get hot enough to melt steel. Cook says he was happy with the outcome of the judgment, although he believes he was done wrong by his government. He even went on to say that he believes that his lawyer was working on “their” side the whole time. “You still believe that?” commented Dodge in response to that state meant. Dodge refused to give any comment. An assistant to U.S. District Attorney, Angela Jordan said that Ms. Jordan believes that Mr. Cook is mentally stable and able to function alone, without mental supervision, in society. Cook and his attorney have 10 days to appeal the judge’s decision if they wish.