PRIEST PLEADS GUILTY TO GROWING MARIJUANA

The former pastor of Prince of Peace Catholic Church accused of
growing marijuana in the church rectory in Norton pleaded guilty Tuesday.

The Rev. Richard Arko was given a suspended prison sentence and was
placed on probation for two years.

Summit County Common Pleas Judge Patricia A. Cosgrove also ordered him
to perform 100 hours of community service and undergo random drug
testing during his probation period.

Arko, 40, was arrested in January by Norton police after an informant
purchased a small amount of marijuana from a man living at the rectory.

Police served a search warrant at the church house and found 35
marijuana plants growing inside.

Arko pleaded guilty to cultivating marijuana and possession of
criminal tools.

He apologized to his family and the church community during his court
appearance. Under questioning by the judge, he implied he was growing
the marijuana for medicinal purposes. He said he looked forward to the
day that marijuana is legalized under certain circumstances.

Arko told the judge that he is not likely to return to the church and
may be forced to leave the priesthood.