A former Ukrainian Catholic priest is facing felony charges for allegedly stealing more than $740,000 from churches, church affiliates, and his own mother. Gregory Allen Madeya, 69, was arrested in Vero Beach, Florida, and extradited to Pennsylvania, where he faces charges including theft and financial exploitation of an older adult.
Prosecutors allege Madeya's crimes began in 2018. During a lengthy investigation, detectives uncovered that Madeya is accused of fraudulently misappropriating nearly $320,000 from churches and donors. He also allegedly stole nearly $250,000 from his mother, who was unable to manage her own finances.
Madeya reportedly served at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Derry Township. In addition to the funds stolen from churches and his mother, he is accused of selling one church's gold chalice for $19,440 and using church funds to purchase a $35,000 Mustang for an individual living with him.
Investigators reportedly found church offering collection envelopes, narcotics messages, and photos of bank documents on Madeya's electronic devices. He appeared in court and waived his preliminary hearing, opting to proceed directly to trial.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday stated, "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."