AN IRISH-AMERICAN PRIEST has been arrested after allegedly stealing over $100,000 from his church and spending it on travelling, a luxury beach-house and dates with his homosexual lovers.
As reported by NBC News, Father Joseph McLoone, 56, was taken into custody on Wednesday after allegedly depositing thousands of cheques meant for the church into his personal account.
The Catholic priest from Pennsylvania, who has family roots in Co. Donegal, became pastor of St Joseph’s Parish in Downingtown, Chester County in 2011.
In November of that year it's reported that he opened an account at TD Bank, which he named the “St Joseph Activity Account”.
Over the course of the next six years, McLoone is reported to have diverted around $120,000 worth of donation cheques into this private account to fund his life of travel, dating and luxury.
It's alleged that Fr. McLoone regularly withdrew cash in Ocean City, New Jersey, where Authorities say he had a holiday home.
Charles Gaza, Chester County District Attorney Chief of Staff wrote in a statement: “Father McLoone held a position of leadership and his parishioners trusted him to properly handle their generous donations to the church.
"Father McLoone violated the trust of the members of St. Joseph’s for his own personal gain.”
McLoone has been accused of sending thousands of stolen dollars to numerous men whom he had met on the gay-dating app Grindr.
The priest's attorney, Melissa McCafferty, denied the allegations against her client in an interview with NBC News.
"Father Joe wants, needs and deserves a lot of pushback," she said. "These assertions are absurd.”
