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Priest accused of stealing almost $100,000 from church for beach house, boyfriends

DOWNINGTON, Pa. — Pennsylvania authorities are investigating a Chester County priest accused of stealing almost  $100,000 from a church in Downington and using the money to pay for a beach house in New Jersey, boyfriends, dinners and travel.

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Monsignor Joseph McLoone, 58, was arrested Wednesday after a yearlong police investigation and an internal investigation by the Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia that dates back to 2017, according to Philly Magazine.

McLoone allegedly opened a secret bank account in 2011 that he used to divert funds from St. Joseph's Catholic Church for the past seven years, the publication reported.

Prosecutors said McLoone used the stolen funds to pay for a beach home in Ocean City, New Jersey, as well as food and travel.

After he was confronted by church officials, McLoone admitted to paying for "personal relationships" with other men, Philly Magazine reported. A police complaint said he sent thousands of dollars to men he met online through the Grindr app.

McLoone is facing 18 counts, including a number of felony theft charges.

A spokesman for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia called the charges “serious and disturbing.”

"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," archdiocese Chief Communications Officer Kenneth Gavin told the magazine in an email.

McLoone is free after posting a $50,000 bond.