Pocono News Section

Scranton Priest 'Busted' On Cocaine Charges

Scranton Priest 'Busted' On Cocaine Charges - Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 12:36PM EST

Reported by: Joe Holden
Saturday, Feb 13, 2010 @ 12:36am EST

PHILADELPHIA- Eight grams of cocaine purchased on a Philadelphia street have landed a Scranton priest in hot water, according to information released by the department's public affairs unit.

Contacted by the I-Team on Friday afternoon, Philadelphia Police Lt. Frank Vanore confirmed James Shimsky was arrested and charged January 31 in connection with purchasing cocaine from a dealer in West Kensington, a neighborhood notorious for drug sales. Vanore was unaware Shimsky was a priest until the I-Team told him.

Shimsky is pastor of St. John Vianney in Scott Township, Lackawanna County. The parish is 140 miles north of the seedy Philly intersection where police say Shimsky made his illegal purchase. They say he was arrested and processed at the nearby 25th District police building. He was released on his own recognizance.

The diocese released a statement Friday night confirming details of the police report. We're told Shimsky is on a leave of absence.