Cleveland diocesan priest charged with cultivating marijuana

Published: 2004-01-27

NORTON, Ohio (CNS) -- A Cleveland diocesan priest has been placed on leave following his arrest on charges of cultivating marijuana. Father Richard A. Arko, 40, pastor of Prince of Peace Parish in Norton, was arrested Jan. 21 when police executed a search warrant and discovered 35 marijuana plants in the spare bedroom of his rectory. Police also arrested Jensen J. Powell, 24, who is unemployed and was living in the rectory. They charged him with trafficking in marijuana. Both charges are fifth-degree felonies carrying prison sentences of six months to a year. Father Arko was released on $3,000 bond. Powell was held in Summit County Jail with bail set at $10,000. Both were to be arraigned Jan. 28.

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