Full Breakdown
Former Ukrainian Catholic Priest Charged with Over $740,000 Theft from Churches and Mother
9/8/2026, 10:56:24 PM
Core Event
Gregory Allen Madeya, a 69-year-old former Ukrainian Catholic priest, has been arrested and extradited to Pennsylvania on charges of stealing more than $740,000 from multiple churches, affiliated Catholic groups, and his own mother. The alleged scheme began in 2018 and continued until his arrest in Florida last month. Prosecutors allege that Madeya misappropriated funds, sold a church’s gold chalice, and used church money for personal purchases, including a $35,000 Mustang. He appeared in a Pennsylvania court in the small town of Jeannette, waiving a preliminary hearing and moving the case directly to trial.
Background & Context
Madeya served at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Derry Township, Pennsylvania. Over several years, investigators say he leveraged his position as a clergy member and as a power of attorney for property transactions to divert donations and parish resources. The investigation uncovered collection envelopes, narcotics-related messages, and bank documents on his electronic devices, indicating a pattern of financial exploitation extending beyond the churches to the Knights of Columbus and his mother, who was deemed unable to manage her own finances.
Data & Statistics
- Total alleged theft: over $740,000.
- Funds taken from churches and donors: approximately $320,000.
- Amount taken from his mother: nearly $250,000.
- Sale of a gold chalice: $19,440.
- Purchase of a Mustang for a co-habitant: $35,000.
Official Statements & Responses
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday described the conduct as “unconscionable,” emphasizing the breach of trust inherent in a religious leader exploiting both congregations and a vulnerable family member. Madeya faces felony charges including dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, theft by unlawful taking, and financial exploitation of an older adult. The Attorney General’s office highlighted the case as part of broader efforts to combat financial crimes within charitable and religious institutions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Attorney General Dave Sunday, pennsylvania attorney
