AKRON Priest is indicted in pot case

AKRON (AP) -- A Roman Catholic priest accused of growing marijuana in his church living quarters was indicted on three drug-related charges.
The Rev. Richard A. Arko, 40, was charged Jan. 22 with illegal cultivation of marijuana, a fifth-degree felony.
The Summit County grand jury indictment Wednesday charged Father Arko with two fifth-degree felonies: illegal cultivation of marijuana and possession of criminal tools. It also charged him with illegal use or possession of drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor.
If convicted, Father Arko faces one to two years in jail and up to $5,250 in fines.
Police seized 35 pots of marijuana plants, rolling papers, a rolling machine, grinder and scissors from the Prince of Peace Church rectory, the Summit County prosecutor's office said.
After the arrest, church officials put the priest on paid leave and said Father Arko won't be allowed to return to his duties in the parish after the case is resolved.
Norton police arrested Father Arko after they searched the living quarters in Barberton, about 8 miles southwest of Akron. Church officials said they don't expect to have a new pastor until June.
The parish is made up of more than 500 families.
Jensen J. Powell, 24, who police said also lived at the Prince of Peace Church rectory, was charged with trafficking in marijuana, a fifth-degree felony.
Powell was unemployed and living in the quarters but had no affiliation with the church, police said.
Father Arko and Powell are scheduled to be arraigned Friday at 8 a.m. before the Summit County Common Pleas magistrate.