Charges Against Pennsylvania Priest for Theft
A priest from Pennsylvania, Gregory Allen Madeya, is facing allegations of stealing over $740,000 from various churches, their affiliated organizations, and even from his own mother. This case has certainly raised eyebrows.
The 69-year-old priest was arrested in Vero Beach, Florida, last month before being extradited back to Pennsylvania. Reports indicate that he previously served as a Ukrainian Catholic priest, and his alleged misdeeds reportedly began in 2018.
Madeya served at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church located in Derry Township. According to the attorney general’s office, he is accused of misappropriating funds not only from the church and its community but also taking nearly $250,000 from his elderly mother, who was in a position where she couldn’t manage her own finances.
After a thorough investigation, detectives discovered that Madeya had fraudulently taken around $320,000 from churches and their donors. Some of his more questionable activities included selling a gold chalice that belonged to one church to a jeweler, netting him $19,440. There are also accusations that he used church funds to purchase a $35,000 Mustang for someone living with him.
Upon searching his premises, authorities found church offering envelopes in the trash—pretty telling, if you ask me. They also discovered narcotics-related messages and images of bank documents on Madeya’s electronic devices. It’s, well, a bit alarming, really.
During a court appearance in a small town outside Pittsburgh, Madeya decided to waive his preliminary hearing and move the case directly to court. This has certainly become a complicated situation. The Pennsylvania Attorney General, Dave Sunday, expressed outrage, stating it is “unconscionable” for someone in his position to exploit both churches and his own mother. It leaves one wondering how someone could betray such trust.
Madeya is now charged with a series of serious offenses, including felony theft and financial exploitation of an older adult, among other charges. It’s tough to fathom how this unfolds and the deep implications on those affected.
