Pubdate: Sat, 04 Nov 2000
Source: San Jose Mercury News (CA)
Copyright: 2000 San Jose Mercury News
Contact:  750 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose, CA 95190
Fax: (408) 271-3792
Website: http://www.sjmercury.com/

EPISCOPAL PRIEST FACES NEW DRUG POSSESSION CHARGE

An Episcopal priest arrested in Virginia earlier this year on charges of 
possession with intent to distribute methamphetamines was arrested Tuesday 
in Maryland on similar charges.

Police say they found methamphetamine and other drugs worth as much as 
$10,000 in the rectory at St. Bartholomew's Protestant Episcopal Church in 
Laytonsville, Md., when they arrested the Rev. Travers C. Koerner, 55, the 
Washington Times reported.

He has been charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled 
dangerous substance, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and 
possession of drug paraphernalia, the Washington Post reported.

Authorities suspect Koerner -- who is scheduled to stand trial Nov. 14 for 
the earlier arrest (in March) of being both a drug distributor and user.

Koerner has been placed on administrative leave by the Episcopal Diocese of 
Washington and may face additional disciplinary action pending the outcome 
of the criminal charges, spokeswoman Daphne Gerig said.

A judge set Koerner's bond at $2 million, stipulating that the clergyman 
pay the entire amount instead of the customary 10 percent.
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