Priest suspended after cocaine charges

URBANA -- A Catholic priest on the University of Illinois campus has been suspended after being charged with selling cocaine from his church office and rectory.

The Reverend Christopher Layden pleaded not guilty Thursday to two counts of delivery of less than 1 gram of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a church and one count of possession with intent to deliver 1 to 15 grams of cocaine near a church.

His defense attorney, Mark Lipton, told the court Layden wanted to waive a preliminary hearing and entered the pleas.

Police say the 33-year-old was arrested Wednesday at St. John's Catholic Newman Center. They say investigators found 3 grams of cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

The Catholic Diocese of Peoria says before the arrest, officials never suspected drug use.

Layden's bond was set at $50,000. A pretrial hearing is set for October 21st.