On Thurs. Feb. 12 Christopher Layden, a priest of the Diocese of Peoria, was sentenced to 48 months probation and required to perform 150 hours of public service for class one felony drug charges, says a press release.

Since Layden was arrested in September 2008 he has been suspended from all pastoral ministry.

Prior to Layden’s arrest neither the Diocese of Peoria nor the University’s Newman Center suspect any problems concerning drug use.

Layden stated that he is deeply sorry to all those he has hurt and angered by his actions. Layden has entered into a rehabilitation program which he presently continues on an out-patient basis.