Former Pennsylvania Priest Charged With Embezzling From Churches and Mother
A former Pennsylvania priest was arrested and charged with embezzling nearly $320,000 from churches and over $230,000 from his elderly mother to fund drugs and luxury items.
A former Catholic priest in Pennsylvania has been arrested and charged with embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from his churches, affiliated organizations, and even his elderly mother. Investigators allege he used the funds to purchase heroin, luxury vacations, and a sports car.
Arrest and Embezzlement Details
Former priest Joseph Media was arrested on August 14 in Vero Beach, Florida, and extradited to Pennsylvania following a multi-year investigation. Media served in churches in the Derry area until he was suspended from his duties in February 2024. According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, the financial misconduct began as early as 2018.
Investigators claim that Media stole nearly $320,000 from churches, related entities, and the Knights of Columbus. Witnesses reported that donation funds, rental income, charity event proceeds, and other payments were never deposited into the proper accounts. In one instance, he allegedly approached a jeweler using the church's name and sold a gold chalice for more than $19,000. The buyer believed the proceeds would benefit the parish, but authorities state the money never reached its intended destination.
Exploitation of Family and Drug Use
Investigators also accuse Media of exploiting his mother, who was no longer capable of managing her financial affairs independently due to her advanced age. Holding power of attorney, he is accused of withdrawing more than $230,000 from her investment accounts while she was evicted from several nursing facilities after her bills went unpaid. Law enforcement officers found pictures of debit cards and church financial documents on his electronic devices, alongside drug-related correspondence and photos. Donation collection envelopes were also discovered in his trash.
It is incomprehensible that a person supposed to be a man of faith would exploit not only the churches he served, but also his own mother, said Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday.
According to investigative reports, a portion of the stolen funds was allegedly used to purchase heroin, which was provided in exchange for sexual acts, as well as to fund vacations and cruises. During the period of the thefts, Media also made a cash purchase of a 2018 Ford Mustang worth more than $35,000, which he gave to a man living with him.
Legal Proceedings
Media faces multiple charges, including theft, financial exploitation of an elderly person, fraud, and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities. He has not yet been convicted, and his defense attorney stated he does not believe his client is a flight risk. Bail was set at $25,000, and his formal arraignment is scheduled for October 14.
