A former Pennsylvania priest has been arrested over allegations that he exploited the trust of churches, parishioners and his own elderly mother in a years-long scheme prosecutors say involved approximately $750,000.
Gregory Allen Madeya, 69, was taken into custody in Florida on August 14 over alleged thefts dating back to 2018, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said.
He was later extradited to Pennsylvania to face the charges.
Madeya previously served as a priest at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in McKeesport.
Investigators allege that his alleged financial misconduct extended beyond a single parish and involved several church organizations and individuals.
Investigators allege money disappeared from church accounts
According to authorities, Madeya allegedly misappropriated $319,997.03 from multiple churches, religious organizations and followers.
Investigators said witnesses from the church community described missing collection money, fundraising proceeds, donations, rent payments and church-related fees that allegedly were never deposited into the appropriate church accounts.
The allegations also involve the Knights of Columbus, with investigators examining financial transactions connected to the organization.
Authorities say the alleged conduct continued for years, with Madeya allegedly taking advantage of his access to money and financial responsibilities within the religious community.
His mother allegedly lost nearly $250,000
The investigation also uncovered allegations involving Madeya’s mother, who officials said was elderly and no longer capable of independently managing her finances.
Prosecutors allege that more than $230,000 was taken from her investment accounts, with the overall amount allegedly taken from her approaching $250,000.
The circumstances surrounding her finances became particularly troubling when investigators learned that she had been evicted from multiple nursing home facilities because bills had allegedly gone unpaid.
Attorney General Sunday condemned the allegations, saying it was particularly disturbing that the defendant was accused of exploiting both religious institutions and a close family member.
“It is unconscionable to see a supposed man of God exploiting not only the churches he served, but his own mother,” Sunday said.
Investigators also uncovered an expensive Mustang purchase
Authorities allege that some of the money was used for personal purposes.
One transaction under scrutiny involved a 2018 Ford Mustang that allegedly cost $35,433.58.
Investigators say Madeya purchased the vehicle and gave it to a man who was living with him during the period covered by the allegations.
The transaction has become part of the broader investigation into how money allegedly obtained from churches and other sources was spent.
Priest allegedly tried to sell church’s gold chalice
Another allegation involves a valuable religious artifact.
Investigators said they spoke with a jeweler who was allegedly approached by Madeya about selling a gold chalice. The chalice had reportedly been purchased for $19,440.
The allegation adds another dimension to the case, with prosecutors examining whether church property was also targeted during the alleged scheme.
Tax allegations add to the charges
Beyond the alleged thefts, authorities accuse Madeya of failing to pay $248,663.43 in taxes.
The combination of the alleged financial losses, unpaid taxes and transactions involving church property has resulted in several felony charges.
Madeya faces allegations including dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, theft by unlawful taking, theft by failure to make required disposition of funds, financial exploitation of an older adult or care-dependent person and access device fraud.
Madeya appears in court after extradition
Madeya appeared in court Thursday alongside his attorney, Patrick Thomassey, after being extradited back to Pennsylvania.
Rather than proceed with a preliminary hearing, Madeya waived the hearing and opted to have the case move directly toward court proceedings.
Thomassey told reporters outside the courthouse that the judge and attorney general had been “very reasonable” and that Madeya’s bail had been reduced to a monetary bond.
The attorney also declined to comment on whether the allegations were accurate, emphasizing the volume and complexity of the case.
“This case involves a tremendous amount of paperwork,” Thomassey said, adding that there was “a lot to be said” about the circumstances surrounding the case, including questions concerning how priests are compensated within the Catholic Church.
Madeya remains in custody
According to his criminal docket, as cited by CBS News, Madeya has not yet posted his $25,000 bail.
He is being held at Westmoreland County Prison while the case proceeds.
The allegations against him have not been proven in court, and Madeya remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until he is convicted.
