Gregory Allen Madeya, 69, is facing felony charges in Pennsylvania after investigators accused the former Ukrainian Catholic priest of stealing more than $740,000. Prosecutors allege that the thefts targeted churches, donors, the Knights of Columbus and Madeya’s mother. The alleged crimes began in 2018 and included the sale of a church chalice and the use of church funds for personal purchases. Madeya was arrested in Florida, extradited to Pennsylvania and has waived his preliminary hearing.
| 1) | Charges and alleged financial losses |
| 2) | Churches and family members allegedly targeted |
| 3) | Evidence cited by investigators |
| 4) | Court proceedings and ministry suspension |
| 5) | Parishes begin financial safeguards |
Charges and alleged financial losses
Madeya faces felony counts including dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, theft by unlawful taking and financial exploitation of an older adult or care-dependent person. Investigators say the alleged conduct took place in Pennsylvania and began in 2018, while Madeya was serving as a Ukrainian Catholic priest. The total alleged loss exceeds $740,000, including nearly $320,000 allegedly taken from churches and donors and nearly $250,000 allegedly taken from his mother.
The charges were filed after a lengthy investigation by Pennsylvania authorities. The allegations remain accusations, and Madeya is entitled to due process as the case moves through court.
Churches and family members allegedly targeted
Authorities say Madeya allegedly misappropriated funds from several churches and church-related organizations, including the Knights of Columbus. He reportedly served at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Derry Township and was also linked to St. John the Baptist church records referenced by investigators.
Among the specific allegations, investigators say Madeya sold a church’s gold chalice to a local jeweler for $19,440 for personal benefit. They also allege that church funds were used to purchase a $35,000 Mustang for a person living with him. Prosecutors further allege that Madeya took nearly $250,000 from his mother at a time when she was unable to manage her own finances.
Evidence cited by investigators
Investigators said they found church offering envelopes in Madeya’s trash during the inquiry. They also reported finding messages and photographs on his electronic devices relating to narcotics, debit cards and bank documents connected to church finances.
The evidence described by authorities is intended to support allegations involving the handling of church money and financial accounts. The reported findings form part of the prosecution’s case and will be evaluated through the Pennsylvania court process.
Court proceedings and ministry suspension
Madeya was arrested last month in Vero Beach, Florida, and later extradited to Pennsylvania. He appeared in court in Jeannette, a small community outside Pittsburgh, and waived his preliminary hearing. By waiving that hearing, he chose to have the case proceed directly to court, according to court documents.
An attorney representing Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church said Madeya has been suspended from priestly ministry. Robert G. Del Greco Jr. said Madeya is prohibited from serving as a priest or presenting himself as one. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said the allegations involved an abuse of trust affecting both churches and Madeya’s mother.
“It is unconscionable to see a supposed man of God exploiting not only the churches he served, but his own mother,” Sunday said.
Parishes begin financial safeguards
Del Greco said the alleged losses have created a profound financial impact on the parishes involved. The churches continue worship services while rebuilding their finances and seeking possible insurance compensation, he said.
The parishes have introduced additional oversight intended to prevent further financial problems. Each parish must submit a quarterly financial statement, bank statement and copies of checks for review. The materials are examined by a finance officer and designated lay parishioners with financial expertise. These measures are designed to increase transparency and separate financial responsibilities from individual control.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Madeya is accused of stealing more than $740,000. |
| 2 | The alleged victims include churches, donors, the Knights of Columbus and his mother. |
| 3 | He waived a preliminary hearing after being extradited to Pennsylvania. |
| 4 | He has been suspended from priestly ministry. |
| 5 | Parishes now require quarterly financial reviews and supporting bank records. |
Summary
The case centers on allegations that a former priest exploited trusted relationships and diverted substantial sums from religious organizations and his mother. The prosecution will now proceed in Pennsylvania, while the affected parishes work to rebuild their finances and strengthen oversight. The allegations have not been proven in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gregory Allen Madeya?
Madeya is a 69-year-old former Ukrainian Catholic priest facing felony charges in Pennsylvania.
How much money is he accused of taking?
Investigators accuse him of taking more than $740,000 in total, including nearly $320,000 from churches and donors and nearly $250,000 from his mother.
What happened in court?
After being arrested in Florida and extradited to Pennsylvania, Madeya appeared in Jeannette and waived his preliminary hearing, sending the case directly to court.
What changes have the parishes made?
The parishes now require quarterly financial statements, bank statements and check copies to be reviewed by financial officers and qualified lay parishioners.
