O.C. Couple, Ex-priest Held in Cross-country Drug-smuggling Case

Orange County Register
January 17, 2013

http://www.ocregister.com/news/priest-383815-conn-clemente.html

Two Orange County residents, a former priest and two other men were indicted Tuesday in connection with trafficking methamphetamine between California and Connecticut.

A grand jury in Bridgeport, Conn., indicted 43-year-old San Clemente resident Chad McCluskey and 47-year-old Kristen Laschober of Laguna Niguel on charges of conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of a substance containing the drug as well as 50 grams of the drug itself. The grand jury also charged Kenneth Devries, 52, of Waterbury, Conn.; Michael Nelson, 40, of Manchester, Conn.; and 61-year-old Monsignor Kevin Wallin, formerly of the Diocese of Bridgeport in Connecticut. If convicted of the conspiracy charges, the five face sentences of 10 years to life in prison as well as a fine of up to $10 million.

According to a statement from the Bridgeport Diocese, Wallin served as pastor of St. Augustine Parish for nine years before he resigned in June 2011 citing personal and health issues. The church granted him a sabbatical, but officials became concerned when they could not reach him. Parishioners knew him as a "gifted, accomplished and compassionate priest," according to the statement.

Prosecutors said Wallin periodically received bulk shipments of the drug from the California couple and on six occasions between September 2012 and January 2013 sold meth to an undercover officer. He faces six counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court, a confidential source first linked McCluskey and Laschober with Wallin's operations in Connecticut. In December, a judge authorized drug enforcement agents to monitor calls and text messages to Wallin's three cell phones.

Transcripts detail business dealings between Wallin, McCluskey and Laschober, with conversations about the timing of shipments and money owed. Wallin reported depositing thousands of dollars into accounts for McCluskey and Laschober.

According to Facebook profiles under their names, McCluskey and Laschober had been dating since 2008. She ran a business as a fashion stylist, offering closet-organization services, and he described his work in electronic systems. On associated social media accounts, the pair chronicled their progress in remodeling a San Clemente home.

They were arrested Jan. 10 in Las Vegas, and all five defendants have been detained as the investigation continues.

Contact the writer: ckoerner@ocregister.com or 714-704-3709