Alleged coke-dealing priest headed for trial

MILAN, Italy, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- An Italian priest arrested at a cocaine party on suspicion of dealing the drug has been scheduled for a fast-track trial in January.

Don Stefano Maria Cavalletti, 45, was arrested in July when police were called to a Milan address on a report of a loud party and they found a large amount of cocaine along with the priest's shredded passport in the bathroom of the home.

Cavalletti told police he had been using cocaine as "self-treatment" for depression he suffered after being convicted in September 2013 of fraud against an elderly woman.

The priest is now scheduled for a fast-track trial January 29. The fast-track process involves the preliminary hearings judge ruling on the case based on evidence gathered during the preliminary investigation. Cavalletti will be eligible for a one-third reduction of his sentence if he is convicted in the fast-track trial.