Ex-Priest Gregory Madeya Waives Hearing in $740,000 Pennsylvania Church Theft Case
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 8
Ex-Priest Gregory Madeya Waives Hearing in $740,000 Pennsylvania Church Theft Case
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 8
Summary
Gregory Allen Madeya, 69, waived his preliminary hearing in a Pennsylvania court, sending the theft and elder-exploitation case directly toward trial.
Prosecutors say the former Ukrainian Catholic priest stole more than $740,000 starting in 2018 from churches, church affiliates, parishioners and nearly $250,000 from his mother.
Investigators allege he misappropriated nearly $320,000 from churches and donors, sold a church gold chalice for $19,440 and used church funds to buy a $35,000 Mustang for someone living with him.
Madeya was arrested last month in Vero Beach, Florida, extradited to Pennsylvania and charged with felony dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, theft by unlawful taking and financial exploitation of an older adult.
The case emerged as Pennsylvania's attorney general announced charges against 19 defendants in a broader Medicaid fraud scheme, while separately condemning Madeya's alleged abuse of trust.