Pennsylvania priest accused of plundering nearly $750k from churches …and his own mother

The relationship between a priest and their congregation is built on trust. People hand over their money, their problems and sometimes their most vulnerable moments, believing the person in front of them will do the right thing. But a criminal case out of Pennsylvania alleges that one former priest took advantage of that trust.

Gregory Allen Madeya, a 69-year-old former Ukrainian Catholic priest, is facing felony charges after allegedly orchestrating a multi-year theft scheme that drained nearly $750,000 from local churches, a fraternal organization and his own mother.

According to the National Enquirer, investigators allege that Madeya’s conduct began around 2018 while he was assigned to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Derry Township, Pennsylvania.

His elderly mother was allegedly vulnerable at the time

Over the years, prosecutors allege that Madeya took money from multiple churches as well as the Knights of Columbus. The churches alone reportedly lost nearly $320,000. What started as alleged theft from one church eventually grew into a much larger case involving several religious organizations and his own family.

The investigation also uncovered some pretty unusual evidence. When law enforcement searched Madeya’s home, they allegedly found discarded church offering envelopes in his trash. Investigators also found photographs of confidential bank documents on his electronic devices, along with messages referencing narcotics.

Madeya allegedly did more than move money around. Prosecutors say he also sold church property for personal profit. In one instance, he allegedly took a gold chalice belonging to the church and sold it to a local jeweler for $19,440.

Authorities also allege that church money helped pay for an extravagant lifestyle. Prosecutors say Madeya used parish funds to purchase a $35,000 Ford Mustang for someone who was living with him.

But perhaps the most disturbing part of the case involves Madeya’s own mother. Prosecutors allege that the former priest stole nearly $250,000 from his elderly mother.

At the time, his mother was in a vulnerable state and unable to manage her own finances. Rather than protecting her, Madeya is accused of taking advantage of her cognitive and physical decline and draining her life savings.

Prosecutors believe the scheme extended beyond one church

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday did not mince words when discussing the allegations.

“It is unconscionable to see a supposed man of God exploiting not only the churches he served, but his own mother. This defendant abused the trust of those around him, and left them to recover from mammoth financial losses.”

Following his apprehension in Vero Beach, Florida, Madeya was extradited to Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. He is facing felony charges including unlawful financial activities, theft and exploiting an older adult.

Madeya waived his preliminary hearing and will move directly toward trial. He remains held at the Westmoreland County Prison as the case moves forward.

For someone who spent years in a position built almost entirely on trust, the allegations against Madeya are particularly difficult to ignore. The alleged theft was not limited to one church or one victim; prosecutors say it stretched across multiple organizations and eventually reached his own family.