Priest Accused of Growing Marijuana in Church Living Quarters

Associated Press ^ | January 22, 2004 | none listed

[gdani]

Priest accused of growing marijuana in church living quarters

The Associated Press
1/22/04 3:48 PM

BARBERTON, Ohio (AP) -- A Roman Catholic priest was in jail Thursday, accused of growing marijuana in his church living quarters.

The Rev. Richard A. Arko, 40, was charged with illegal cultivation of marijuana, a fifth-degree felony.

Jensen J. Powell, 24, who police said also lived at the Prince of Peace Church rectory, was charged with trafficking in marijuana, also a fifth-degree felony.

If convicted, each faces six months to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Norton police arrested Arko after they searched the living quarters in Barberton, about eight miles southwest of Akron.

Police said they found a marijuana growing system in a spare bedroom and confiscated about 35 potted marijuana plants ranging from 6 inches to 4 feet tall, along with grow lights, electric transformers, air purifiers and instruction books for growing marijuana.

Police said they seized two small plastic bags with marijuana and $1,100 from Powell.

Powell was unemployed and living in the quarters but had no affiliation with the church, police said.

Barberton Municipal Judge Michael McNulty set a $3,000 signature bond for Arko and $10,000 cash bond for Powell.

Both were scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday.

A message seeking comment was left at the church.

[gdani]

No clue if this Art Garfunkel's pastor or not.......

[martin_fierro]

His Eminence answered to a higher power.

[N. Theknow]

Holy Smokes!

[martin_fierro]

The church bell said "BONG!"

[gov_bean_ counter]

How did they know he had it? Must have used it at incense during a service.

[gdani]

"And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so."

[theDentist]

Hah! You beat me to it!

[Desdemona]

ping

[BossLady]

Herbosexual Alert....

"Powell was unemployed and living in the quarters but had no affiliation with the church, police said."

Interesting side note....

[Doomonyou]

Gives new meaning to the Hymn:

"Lord I lift your name on High."

[Puppage]

Glory to Thee in the highest

[bird4four4]

Glory to our God most high!

[bird4four4]

Matthew 26:62 And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?

[gdani]

Maybe he thought it was it would help him interpret Revelations.

[gdani]

I MEAN: Maybe he thought it would help him interpret Revelations.

[Indrid Cold]

Oop, take the church. Take the offering, as it's now tainted.

[reagan_fanatic]

I'm sure he has a Holy Water Bong© by the confessional..

[BooBoo1000]

He was using it for a Higher calling.

[Indrid Cold]

Oooh, oooh, oooh! And every parishoner who gave money could be charged under the RICO act!

[r135rr]

amazing it took us 10 years to arrest some priests for messing with the altar bois but we jumped right on one growing a lil bit of grass.....