Catholic Priest Charged with Cocaine Possession in Illinois

A Roman Catholic priest has been charged with selling cocaine out of his church office and rectory at the St. John's Catholic Newman Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Rev. Christopher Layden plead not guilty to charges that he sold cocaine.

Layden plead not guilty to two counts of delivery of a controlled substance near a church, and one count of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance near a church.  

Layden was arrested after a two-week police investigation discovered 3 grams of cocaine powder and drug paraphernalia in his home and office, both of which are located on the Urbana-Champaign campus.

Since the arrest, the Catholic Diocese of Peoria has suspended Layden. If convicted of the criminal charges, Layden could face up to 30 years in prison. A pre-trial hearing has been set for October 21st. Layden remains in police custody on $50,000 bail.

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