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Cops bust Long Island Episcopal priest after finding child porn, drugs in his home
BY THOMAS TRACY
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
http://www.nydailynews.com/
February 4, 2017
Cops cuffed a Long Island priest caught with child pornography and drugs including meth in his parish home, officials said Saturday.
Police executing a search warrant about 6 p.m. Friday inside the home of Father Christopher King, 51, the vicar of St. James of Jerusalem Episcopal Church in Long Beach, found the shocking materials.
Working off a tip, cops found several files of child pornography on the holy man's computer devices, a Nassau County Police Department spokesman said.
Cops also recovered narcotics in his church residence including methamphetamines and Xanax.
Police charged King with five counts of possessing a sexual performance by a child and two counts of drug possession, officials said.
He was awaiting arraignment in First District Court in Hempstead Saturday.
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Statement from Bishop Provenzano on the arrest of the Rev. Christopher King
Saturday, February 4
This morning, I received notification that the Rev. Christopher King was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography and drug possession.
Father King had been licensed as a priest in our diocese since 2001 and was currently serving as the priest-in-charge of St. James in Long Beach.
The diocese and the entire Episcopal Church have a zero tolerance policy with respect to criminal conduct of any kind including the allegations made against Father King. As a result of these allegations, I have today terminated Father King's license to function as an Episcopal priest in the Diocese of Long Island.
We will also provide pastoral care and consult with the congregation and any others impacted by these charges.
The Rt. Rev. Lawrence C. Provenzano
Bishop of Long Island
2015 CHURCH STATS.
St. James of Jerusalem by the sea in Long Beach, NY.
Baptized: 135
ASA: 42
Plate & Pledge: $53,000
