Law Professor and Leading Massachusetts Lawyer Accused of Involvement in the Illegal Home Pot Growing Business

Timothy Wilton, a professor at Suffolk University Law School, and Kathy Jo Cook, former president of the Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts, have been accused by their son (and stepson) of knowledge of his drug dealing and home pot growing operation. Jonathon Cook, 20, told police that they not only knew that he was growing marijuana in his room but that his mother told him to destroy the pot when police were called about a shooting at their home. Wilton and Cook publicly denied the allegations.

Police first came to the house when Jonathon Cook was shot in the hand by someone who he claimed broke into the basement.

Police obtained a search warrant for the home and found 15 bags of marijuana, a scale and other paraphernalia, and three weapons: a shotgun, a set of brass knuckles, and a double-edged throwing knife. In custody, Cook told the police that Wilton actually helped him build the growing tables and operation. He even said that Wilton did the work under the agreement that they would split the profits. There is no known proof of these allegations beyond his statement to police. Moreover, I find it a bit hard to believe that Wilton would want to share in a small pot operation with a clearly troubled stepson. The police has said that they have found no evidence to support the allegations.

Cook is charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, drug violation in a school zone, and firearms violations.

The two lawyers issued the following statement:

‘‘As a family, we care so much about Jonathon, which makes this situation extraordinarily difficult for us. We are not only extremely concerned about Jonathon and the charges against him, but also saddened to hear about the allegations against us. These allegations are false, and we were extremely surprised to hear about them. As lawyers, we have deep faith in the legal system, and are confident that as this matter unfolds, the truth will surface.’’

Cook said that he returned to selling drugs after losing his job.

Kathy Jo Cook is currently with the Boston law firm Wagner Cook Frieberger and Washienko. Professor Wilton teaches Civil Procedure; Constitutional Law; Evidence; Public Interest Litigation; Trial Advocacy at Suffolk.

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