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Priest Accused of Stealing $740K from Church & Mom
8 Sep
Summary
- A Pennsylvania priest is charged with stealing over $740,000.
- He allegedly stole from churches, donors, and his own mother.
- The former priest also sold a church's gold chalice.
Gregory Allen Madeya, a 69-year-old former Ukrainian Catholic priest from Pennsylvania, is facing serious felony charges. These include financial exploitation of an older adult and unlawful activities, stemming from allegations of stealing over $740,000.
Prosecutors detailed that Madeya's alleged crimes began in 2018. During his service at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Derry Township, he is accused of defrauding churches and donors of nearly $320,000.
Further investigation uncovered that Madeya allegedly took almost $250,000 from his mother, who was unable to manage her own finances. He also reportedly sold a church's gold chalice for $19,440 and used church funds to purchase a $35,000 Mustang for an associate.
Evidence found in his trash included offering envelopes, and his electronic devices contained narcotics messages and bank documents. Madeya appeared in court and opted to take his case directly to trial. Attorney General Dave Sunday condemned the betrayal of trust, highlighting the significant financial losses inflicted upon victims.
