A former Catholic priest who served in Western Pennsylvania has been arrested after authorities accused him of stealing more than $740,000 from churches, church-related organizations and his own elderly mother.
Gregory Allen Madeya, 69, who is originally from Ukraine, was arrested on Friday, Aug. 14, in Vero Beach, Florida, according to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
Madeya is facing several charges, including felony dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, theft by failure to make required disposition of funds, theft by unlawful taking, financial exploitation of an older adult or care-dependent person and access device fraud.
The accusations stem from alleged thefts dating back to 2018 and were uncovered during a multi-year investigation into Madeya’s conduct.
Authorities allege Madeya fraudulently misappropriated nearly $320,000 from multiple church-related people and organizations, as well as the Knights of Columbus, the massive Catholic men’s fraternal service organization.
Investigators said witnesses from throughout the church community reported missing collection money, fundraising proceeds, donations, rent payments and church-related fees that were allegedly never deposited into church accounts.
Authorities also spoke with a jeweler who claimed Madeya approached the business while representing St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in McKeesport and sold a gold chalice for $19,440.
According to investigators, the jeweler believed the money from the sale was going to help the church financially.
Authorities also allege that Madeya made a $35,433 cash purchase of a 2018 Ford Mustang during the same general period as the alleged thefts. The vehicle was reportedly given to a man who was living with him.
During the investigation, authorities said they discovered messages and photographs allegedly related to narcotics, along with pictures of debit cards and bank documents connected to St. John the Baptist.
Investigators also said several church offering envelopes were found in Madeya’s trash.
But the allegations did not stop with the church.
The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office also accused Madeya of stealing more than $230,000 from his mother’s investment accounts and failing to pay more than $248,000 in tax obligations connected to the money.
Investigators said Madeya’s mother was evicted from multiple nursing homes because her bills were not being paid.
Authorities allege Madeya abused his position as his mother’s power of attorney and stole money that was supposed to be used for her care.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday blasted the alleged conduct.
“It is unconscionable to see a supposed man of God exploiting not only the churches he served, but his own mother,” Sunday said.
“This defendant abused the trust of those around him, and left them to recover from mammoth financial losses.”
As of Tuesday, Sept. 8, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General said there were no additional updates in Madeya’s case.
The prosecution is being handled by Chief Deputy Attorney General Patrick Schulte of the Financial Crime Section.
If one can considerGalatians 1:6–8 (NIV)? I.e., “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!”— That acursied [so-called] priest was stealing from a no gospel at all] fake acursed church! If you like fake knock-off christian chruches try the Muslam’s fake man-made/ Hell bound religion! Satan will love you for it!