Priest's Alleged Drug Accomplice Due in Court

The Wpri
February 4, 2013

http://www.wpri.com/dpp/news/connecticut/ap_connecticut/Priests-alleged-drug-accomplice-due-in-court_77769351

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A Connecticut man accused of dealing methamphetamine with a now-suspended Roman Catholic priest is facing arraignment in federal court.

Fifty-two-year-old Kenneth Devries of Waterbury is due in U.S. District Court in Hartford on Monday. His lawyer told the Connecticut Post (http://bit.ly/WNXqfb) that his client will plead not guilty to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.

Five people were charged in the alleged drug-dealing conspiracy last month, including Monsignor Kevin Wallin of Waterbury. Authorities say the drug dealing involved shipments of meth to Connecticut from California.

Wallin was the pastor of St. Augustine Parish in Bridgeport for nine years until he resigned in June 2011. The Diocese of Bridgeport suspended him from public ministry last May.

Federal agents say Wallin bought an adult video shop to help launder the drug money.