A blurred photo of the inside of a church sanctuary.
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Pa. priest accused of stealing nearly $100,000 from parish
Prosecutors allege he diverted funds into secret accounts and misappropriated fees charged to parishioners.
By The Associated Press
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A blurred photo of the inside of a church sanctuary.
(Downingtown) — A Pennsylvania Roman Catholic priest is accused of stealing nearly $100,000 from his parish and spending it on a beach house and men he met on dating apps.
The Chester County District Attorney’s Office says 56-year-old Monsignor Joseph McLoone has been arrested for theft from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Downingtown.
Chester County District Attorney's Office / The Associated Press
This booking photo provided by the Chester County District Attorney’s Office shows Monsignor Joseph McLoone on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019. The Pennsylvania Roman Catholic priest is accused of stealing nearly $100,000 from his parish and spending it on a beach house and men he met on dating apps. The Chester County District Attorney’s Office says McLoone was arrested Wednesday for theft from St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Downingtown, Pa.
Prosecutors allege the priest diverted funds into secret accounts and misappropriated fees charged to parishioners.
They say McLoone used the money for a beach house in Ocean City, New Jersey, as well as spending it on men he was dating.
Prosecutors allege McLoone gave himself a raise by doubling the amount he collected as a stipend for each Mass, wedding and funeral.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia says McLoone is on leave and they’re cooperating with authorities.
No attorney is listed in court documents.
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