Friar was involved in organizing fundraiser to help rebuild
retreat destroyed by fire
By Michael Van Cassell Staff Writer
San Juan Bautista – The San Benito County Sheriff’s Office arrested a local Franciscan Friar on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Brother Kelly James Cullen, 53, was arrested after finding 1/4-ounce of marijuana, 0.6 grams of methamphetamine, a methamphetamine smoking pipe and a bottle of prescription pills belonging to another person after responding to a disturbing the peace call on Betabel Road in San Juan Bautista.
“I guess he was over there and got into it with some field workers,” Lt. Roy Iler said.
District Attorney John Sarsfield has not filed charges but will review the report in the coming weeks.
Cullen was involved in an altercation with field workers on Betabel Road, police said. The field workers called the sheriff’s to report the altercation with Cullen. When the deputy arrived at the scene, Cullen stepped out of his green Saturn. The deputy then looked into the vehicle and saw a bag of marijuana and a methamphetamine smoking pipe, Lt. Iler said.
The sheriff’s office impounded Cullen’s vehicle and conducted an inventory of the car, producing 0.6 grams of methamphetamine, another bag of marijuana and a prescription bottle containing pills belonging to another person, Lt. Iler said. When asked what the prescription was, Cullen told officials they were pain pills that a friend had given him. Officials are waiting on test results of the pills.
Father Barry Brusman declined to comment directly on the arrest, but said such an arrest was out of character for Cullen. Brusman also said the friary is concerned, although they have not had ample time to look into the matter. Brusman had spoken with Cullen Wednesday and said he seemed fine.
“Just to say hi and welcome him back,” Brusman said.
The arrest comes on the heels of a devastating fire in June that destroyed the historic St. Francis Retreat in San Juan Bautista, leaving the Franciscan Friars scrambling to raise money for reconstruction. Cullen had organized a fundraiser to help rebuild the retreat to its original splendor. The buffet is taking place Sunday and will feature Cindy Williams from “Laverne and Shirley,” a personal friend of Cullen, as the event’s host.
Father Brusman and Cullen envision “green” buildings for the new retreat. Straw bale walls, recycled water and solar energy will be new features of the St. Francis Retreat, Brusman said.
Cullen was released from the San Benito County jail Wednesday after being held in lieu of $22,000 in bail.
