Man pleads not guilty in Conn. priest-drug probe

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A Connecticut man has pleaded not guilty to allegations that he helped a Roman Catholic priest sell methamphetamine.

Fifty-two-year-old Kenneth Devries of Waterbury pleaded not guilty to drug and conspiracy charges Monday in federal court in Hartford. The Connecticut Post reports jury selection in Devries' case tentatively was set for April 14 and he remains detained.

Federal prosecutors say Devries played a key role in the alleged drug operation of Monsignor Kevin Wallin, former pastor of Roman Catholic Churches in Bridgeport and Danbury. The Diocese of Bridgeport has suspended Wallin from public ministry.

Wallin was arrested last month and has pleaded not guilty to drug and conspiracy charges. Three other people were charged.

Prosecutors say Wallin took in about $300,000 from selling meth in a five-month period last year.

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Information from: Connecticut Post