Priest accused of dealing coke from rectory

[n2doc]

URBANA, Ill. (AP) — A Catholic priest on the University of Illinois campus has been charged with selling cocaine from his church office and rectory.
The Reverend Christopher Layden pleaded not guilty Thursday to two counts of delivery of less than 1 gram of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a church and one count of possession with intent to deliver 1 to 15 grams of cocaine near a church.
The 33-year-old was arrested Wednesday at St. John's Catholic Newman Center after investigators found 3 grams of cocaine and drug paraphernalia while searching his home and office. His bond was set at $50,000.
The Catholic Diocese of Peoria says it has suspended Layden.
His attorney, Mark D. Lipton, did not immediately respond to an after hours message seeking comment.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gqkAWU0fY4wSFKXCD_W5TKG0C9AgD934RQ480

[Believing Is Art]

1. This hit the campus newspaper yesterday

Of course, when I read there was a problem with a Catholic priest on campus, I assumed the worst. Coke doesn't seem so bad comparatively.

[DontTreadOnMe]

2. Are you kidding?

I am not condoning drug use, but it is an "additional" charge to be near a church?

"1 gram of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a church"

I can see justifying harsher penalties near a school, but a church? How about near a library? Do you get half as many years next to a bar?

[mike_c]

3. note to self: pay closer attention to subject lines....

Yes, I read "Priest accused of dealing coke from rectum."

[Jamastiene]

5. I did too.

That is why I clicked. :evilgrin: :P

[TahitiNut]

4. He must've overcharged the wrong parishoner.

:shrug: