Former Catholic School Principal Charged With Theft Waives Prelim Hearing; Case Proceeds

UPPER DUBLIN, PA — A former Maple Glen parochial school principal charged with a $25,000 theft has waived his preliminary hearing and now must answer to charges in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court that allege the administrator stole from Our Lady of Mercy Regional Catholic School to pay for personal expenses.

The criminal case against John C. McGrath, 56, of East Norriton, is moving forward, according to court records out of Magisterial District Court in Abington.

Upper Dublin Police launched an investigation into McGrath in late 2021 after authorities were contacted by an official with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia regarding an internal investigation showing that McGrath had been stealing school funds over a period of time and using the money toward personal expenses, such as on a vacation and other entertainment purposes, the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office announced in March.

Records from Magisterial District Court show that McGrath's preliminary hearing was scheduled on April 29 before Judge Patricia Zaffarano, and that all charged were waived for Common Pleas Court following the judicial proceeding.

McGrath is being charged with seven felonies and one misdemeanor in connection with the alleged theft.

Among the criminal charges are dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception, receiving stolen property and access device fraud, as well as unsworn falsification to authorities.

Montgomery County prosecutors said that McGrath used a school-issued credit card, Venmo and Amazon for the fraudulent transactions, which totaled around $25,000.

The Pottstown Mercury reported that the alleged thefts occurred when McGrath was principal of the school between May 2020 and October 2021.

Court records show that a formal arraignment has been scheduled for June 8.