Arrest and Charges
Gregory Allen Madeya, a 69-year-old former priest, was taken into custody on August 14 in Vero Beach, Florida. According to an official statement from the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, Madeya faces several serious charges, including financial exploitation of an elderly individual, felony dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, access device fraud, and multiple counts of theft. These charges stem from a comprehensive investigation into financial irregularities that reportedly began in 2018.
Misappropriation of Church Funds
Law enforcement officials gathered testimony from numerous witnesses within the religious community. The investigation revealed that significant sums intended for the church—including fundraising proceeds, regular collections, rental income, and various administrative fees—failed to reach official bank accounts.
A notable incident involved the unauthorized sale of a gold chalice. Madeya allegedly sold the item to a jeweler for $19,440 while serving as a representative of St. John the Baptist. The jeweler reportedly believed the proceeds were intended to support the parish's financial needs. Additionally, investigators noted that during the period these thefts occurred, Madeya made a $35,433 cash purchase for a 2018 Ford Mustang.
Exploitation of Family
Beyond his activities within the church, authorities allege that Madeya targeted his own mother. Evidence suggests he siphoned more than $230,000 from her investment portfolios and failed to meet tax obligations on accounts totaling over $248,000. These actions had severe real-world consequences, as his mother faced eviction from several nursing homes due to non-payment. Officials concluded that Madeya had
“abused his position as his mother’s power of attorney to steal funds meant for her care.”
Official Response
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday condemned the actions in a press release, stating:
“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.”
The case is being handled by Chief Deputy Attorney General Patrick Schulte. As of the latest reports, it remains unclear whether the defendant has secured legal representation or entered a formal plea.