In an unsurprising way.

Marijuana priest under investigation for something else now

Assistant Summit County Prosecutor Mary Ann Kovach said Tuesday that she plans to meet with police to determine if sex charges should be brought against Rev. Richard Arko, 40.

The allegation surfaced during a court appearance by Andrew J. Smith, 25, of nearby Barberton, who tipped police last month to marijuana plants allegedly grown by Arko inside the rectory of Prince of Peace Roman Catholic Church.

Smith, in court Tuesday for violating probation in an unrelated case, claimed Arko began a sexual relationship with him when he was 15.

He told his attorney that the relationship continued through January, when the priest posted Smith’s bond after his arrest on charges stemming from a theft at Prince of Peace, where Arko served as pastor.