A Catholic priest who was once Cardinal Timothy Egan's secretary was arrested for his alleged involvement in a meth ring that spanned the country. According to the Connecticut Post, "Msgr. Kevin Wallin of Waterbury was arrested on a criminal complaint Jan. 3 after a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Connecticut State Police Statewide Narcotics Task Force... Wallin was charged with six counts in the indictment Tuesday by a federal grand jury in Bridgeport and faces up to life in prison if he is convicted."
Wallin, who had been the priest at St. Augustine's in Bridgeport, CT, resigned two years ago, "citing health and personal problems" after taking a month-long sabbatical. Last September, he allegedly sold meth six times to undercover agents. Also, the feds found that a shipment of meth from California was sent to Wallin. A Bridgeport blog has dubbed him "Monsignor Meth."
The Diocese of Bridgeport said, "News of Msgr. Kevin Wallin's arrest comes with a sense of shock and concern on the part of the Diocese and the many people of Fairfield County who have known him as a gifted, accomplished and compassionate priest." The diocese also said, "During his sabbatical, the Diocese became concerned about Msgr. Wallin's well-being and has reached out to him. To date, he has not spoken directly with diocesan officials... The Diocese stands ready to help as it has throughout the past two years. We ask for prayers for Msgr. Wallin during the difficult days ahead for him."
