Monsignor Kevin Wallin, a well-respected priest in Connecticut has been arrested without bail and charged with participating in a crystal meth drug ring along with four other men.
The 61-year-old priest was arrested on January 3 along with 52-year-old Kenneth "Lyme" Devries after law enforcement discovered that his home contained evidence of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. According to the U.S. Attorney's office, he is accused of receiving shipments of crystal meth from a distributor in California and selling it to an undercover officer.
NBC reports that Wallin was the pastor of the St. Augustine Parish in Bridgeport, Conn. for nine years before he resigned during the summer.
In a statement, the Diocese of Bridgeport told parishioners "that he was struggling with a number of health and personal issues" and he was granted a sabbatical.
"During his sabbatical, the diocese became concerned about Msgr. Wallin's wellbeing and have continued to reach out to him. To date, he has not spoken directly with diocesan officials."
The Diocese also said they were shocked to learn about Wallin's arrest. "News of Msgr. Kevin Wallin's arrest comes with a sense of shock and concern on the part of the Diocese and the many people of Fairfield County who have known him as a gifted, accomplished and compassionate priest," said the director of communications for the Diocese of Bridgeport.
He also served as the pastor of St. Peter Parish in Danbury from 1996 to 2002.
The five accused culprits are being charged with partaking in a drug distribution conspiracy by a federal grand jury. If convicted, Wallin could face a $2 million fine and up to 20 years behind bars.
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