California couple pleads guilty in Connecticut priest meth case

by Tom Gallagher

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From the Connecticut Post:

A California couple pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court here to being "Monsignor Meth" Kevin Wallin's connection to high-quality crystal methamphetamine.

Chad McClusky, a 43-year-old electrical consultant from San Clemente, and his girlfriend, 47-year-old Kristen Laschober, a wardrobe stylist, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Alfred Covello to conspiring to distribute the drug.

Both face up to 10 years in prison when they are sentenced Aug. 8, but the judge ordered them released to inpatient drug treatment after Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Caruso put on the record that both defendants could be eligible for lesser terms because of their drug dependence.

Wallin, 61, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess and distribute crystal meth earlier this month. At his sentencing June 25, he faces 11 to 14 years in prison. He has been suspended from his priestly duties.

From August to December 2012, Wallin is accused of doing $300,000 in sales from at least 4.4 pounds of the drug sent to him by McCluskey and Laschober, the Post reports.

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