A Pennsylvania Priest is in the midst of controversy after he was caught using church money to pay for his Grindr hookups.
According to PennLive, Father Joseph McLoone is facing charges after authorities say he stole more than $98,000 from his church. The father used donation funds from church goers at Downingtown’s St. Joseph’s Catholic Church to fund travel, dining, and stay at a beach house for himself and his sexual partners found through gay dating apps.
“Father McLoone held a position of leadership and his parishioners trusted him to properly handle their generous donations to the church,” District Attorney Chief of Staff Charles Gaza said in a statement released today. “Father McLoone violated the trust of the members of St. Joseph’s for his own personal gain.”
According to the district attorney’s office, McLoone set up a TD Bank account called “St. Joseph Activity Account.” He then deposited donation checks written for the parish into that account. He also put the All Soul’s (an annual charity event) collection money into the account.
While that all could have been fairly tame and just an attempt at merging donations into one stable place, McLoone was actually trying to hide the funds from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He then stole $98,405 dollars through cash withdrawals in Ocean City and New Jersey to double his pay, pay for his vacations, and give money to his romantic/sexual flings.
Eventually, a money trail did lead to McLoone’s wrongdoings. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia first confronted McLoone about the money. McLoone then confessed to his deeds and the police were brought in.
“These charges are serious and disturbing,” said Kenneth Gavin, chief communications officer for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, in an emailed statement to Philly Mag. “The Archdiocese and the parish will continue to cooperate with law enforcement as the criminal matter enters its next phase. Pending the outcome, Monsignor McLoone remains on administrative leave. Information regarding his arrest will be shared with the Saint Joseph Parish community.”
McLoone has now been charged with 18 counts like felony theft. His bail was set at $50,000 unsecured, but the priest has already paid it and been released.
Sources: Penn Live, Philly Mag,
