by TChris

A priest in Ohio has been placed on probation for two years after pleading guilty to growing marijuana in his church residence. Rev. Richard Arko told the court he was cultivating the 35 plants for medical use, and says he prays for the day that Ohio recognizes the benefits of marijuana.

Although probation would be the norm for a first offense in Ohio, prosecutors asked for a prison sentence, arguing that a priest should be held to a higher standard than others. Fortunately, Judge Patricia Cosgrove declined to make an example of Rev. Arko, citing letters she received from parishoners attesting to Rev. Arko's positive contributions to their lives.

The marijuana plants were discovered after an informant purchased marijuana from a man who was living in the parish house. After Rev. Arko's arrest, the informant, Andrew Smith, claimed that Rev. Arko has been sexually assaulting him since he was 15. However, Smith is accused of stealing credit cards and checks from Rev. Arko and the parish, rendering his belated abuse claims suspect.