Priest Charged With Stealing $740K From Churches, Mother

A Pennsylvania priest is facing felony charges after prosecutors allege he stole more than $740,000 from three churches, donors, and his own elderly mother. Gregory Allen Madeya, 69, was arrested in Florida on August 14 and subsequently extradited to Pennsylvania to face charges including theft, fraud, and financial exploitation of an older adult. The alleged scheme dates back to 2018, with prosecutors claiming Madeya misappropriated approximately $320,000 from churches and nearly $250,000 from his mother, who was unable to manage her own finances. The total alleged theft from churches, parishioners, donors, and his family is reported as $740,409.96. Authorities contend that Madeya used the stolen funds for personal expenses, including purchasing heroin for sex acts, funding luxury vacations and cruise ship tours, and buying a $35,500 Ford Mustang for a man living with him. Investigators also allege Madeya sold a church's gold chalice for $19,400. According to reports, Madeya's mother allegedly lost over $230,000 and faced eviction from nursing homes due to unpaid bills. Separately, Madeya is accused of failing to pay $248,663.