Won’t be returning to parish, no matter what

A Roman Catholic priest accused of growing marijuana in his church living quarters won’t be allowed to return to his duties in the parish after the case is resolved, church officials said.

The Rev. Richard A. Arko, 40, was charged last week with illegal cultivation of marijuana, a fifth-degree felony. He has been placed on paid leave, church officials said.

“We are confused and concerned that this man who has done so much good could allow marijuana to be growing in his church residence,” said Bishop Martin J. Amos, auxiliary bishop for the southern portion of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, on Sunday.