A priest accused of theft spent money on a house on the beach on Grindr's day

DOWNINGTON, Pennsylvania – A Pennsylvania Catholic priest is accused of stealing nearly $ 100,000 in his parish and having spent it in a beach house, as well as men met on the island. 39, Grindr meeting application.

The Chester County District Attorney's Office announced that Joseph McLoone, 56, was arrested on Wednesday for stealing from St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Downingtown.

Prosecutors allege that the priest embezzled funds on secret accounts and diverted expenses to parishioners.

They say that McLoone used the money for a beach house in Ocean City, New Jersey, as well as spending it on men with whom he was dating.

Prosecutors allege that McLoone gave himself an increase by doubling the amount that he had collected as an allowance for each Mass, wedding and funeral.

"These accusations are serious and disturbing," the archdiocese of Philadelphia said in a statement. "The archdiocese and the parish will continue to cooperate with law enforcement as the criminal process moves into its next phase. While awaiting the outcome, Mgr. McLoone remains on administrative leave. "

According to the archdiocese, in early 2018 he discovered that McLoone had opened a bank account on behalf of the parish that did not appear in parish records, which was not reflected in the regular reports reviewed by the finance board. from the parish or provided to the archdiocese.

The bank account was frozen in February 2018 and staff of the Archdiocesan Office of Parish Services and Support then analyzed the parish's financial records.

"While continuing to review payments and withdrawals from the book account, the Archdiocese has committed to seek full financial return on behalf of the parish for expenses recognized or deemed inappropriate," the statement said. .

Crux staff contributed to this report.

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