Clergy Theft Investigation
Former Pennsylvania Priest Arrested Over Alleged $750,000 Theft From Churches and Mother
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Attorney General Dave Sunday condemned the alleged conduct, saying, “It is unconscionable to see a supposed man of God exploiting not only the churches he served, but his own mother.” He added that Madeya “abused the trust of those around him” and left them facing significant financial losses.
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The three Pennsylvania churches identified in the case are in Derry Township, Jeannette and McKeesport, where Madeya had previously served as a priest.
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Madeya’s attorney, Patrick Thomassey, argued that the case raises broader questions about clergy finances, saying, “There are no guidelines for what the priest can or cannot do with the money that they're responsible for,” and that priests are paid very little to run a parish.
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The court scheduled Madeya’s next appearance at the Westmoreland County Courthouse for Wednesday, Oct. 14; court records cited by Local 21 News said he remained held at Westmoreland County Prison after not posting bail.
Former Ukrainian Catholic priest Gregory Allen Madeya, 69, was arrested in Florida and extradited to Pennsylvania over allegations he stole more than $740,000 from three churches, the Knights of Columbus, donors, and his elderly mother starting in 2018. Cedar News reported that investigators allege Madeya took missing collections, donations, and fundraising proceeds. Nearly $250,000 was stolen from his mother, who faced unpaid nursing-home bills and evictions.
Yahoo News reported that Madeya also allegedly purchased a 2018 Ford Mustang for $35,433.58 and attempted to sell a church-owned gold chalice valued at $19,440. A judge set bail at $25,000 and barred him from leaving Pennsylvania. His attorney declined to comment on the allegations' accuracy, citing complex financial practices and questions about clergy compensation.
Attorney General Condemns 'Abuse of Trust'
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday denounced Madeya's alleged conduct as "unconscionable." He stated that Madeya exploited the churches he served and his own mother. The Independent reported that Sunday said Madeya "abused the trust of those around him" and left victims facing significant financial losses. The alleged crimes spanned three years beginning in 2018.
Three Pennsylvania Churches Targeted in Investigation
Madeya allegedly stole from congregations in Derry Township, Jeannette, and McKeesport. Yahoo News reported these three churches were where Madeya previously served as a priest. The three-year investigation uncovered missing tithes, donations, and fundraising money. Church officials discovered the financial discrepancies after reviewing records and conducting audits during the period when Madeya held leadership roles.
Defense Raises Questions About Clergy Finances
Madeya's attorney, Patrick Thomassey, argued the case highlights broader issues in how churches manage priest compensation. "There are no guidelines for what the priest can or cannot do with the money that they're responsible for," Thomassey said. He noted that priests are paid very little to operate a parish. The Independent reported that Thomassey raised questions about financial practices rather than disputing the allegations directly.
Madeya Waives Hearing and Faces Westmoreland Prison
Madeya waived his preliminary hearing and proceeded directly to court. Yahoo News reported he was held at Westmoreland County Prison after failing to post the $25,000 bail. His next appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14, at Westmoreland County Courthouse. He was also ordered to surrender his passport and remain in Pennsylvania while awaiting trial.
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