Convicted priest remains free despite failing drug tests

HARTFORD, Conn. – A Connecticut priest convicted of selling methamphetamine won’t be sent back to prison despite failing drug tests while on parole.

WVIT-TV reports that federal Judge Alfred Covello decided Thursday that Kevin Wallin, a former pastor at St. Augustine Parish in Bridgeport, will remain on supervised release rather than return to prison.

Wallin, dubbed “Monsignor Meth” in some media reports, had been convicted of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and sentenced to 65 months in prison.

He was released in 2016 but failed a number of required drug tests, prompting his parole officer and prosecutors to recommend revoking his parole.

But Wallin’s public defender argued that he should remain on supervised release since he’s taken steps to address his meth addiction, including recently entering a substance abuse treatment program.

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Information from: WVIT-TV, http://www.nbcconnecticut.com