35 marijuana plants – a simple misunderstanding

The Rev. Richard Arko is known as a gentle man – a vegan, yogi and massage therapist. He also takes in strays – animals and people.

His friends believe his trust was betrayed by the most recent recipient of his giving nature, an unemployed man he allowed to live with him in the rectory next to Prince of Peace Church. That man, Jensen Powell, and Arko were arrested Wednesday after police found 35 marijuana plants growing in a closet in a spare bedroom.

“Father Rick takes a lot of risks with people who are not the cream-of-the-crop characters,” said Cathie Finn, director of Barberton Area Community Ministries, which Arko helped found in 1997. “I wouldn’t be surprised if his trusting attitude is involved here.”