PHILADELPHIA – Willie Jordan, 68, of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, is facing serious time after admitting today to bilking two organizations he was entrusted to lead: a Philadelphia religious group and a local political ward. United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Jordan pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud before United States District Judge Harvey Bartle III.
The feds say Jordan, a deacon and trustee for Religious Organization #1, systematically siphoned funds from the church between January 2020 and January 2024. While managing the organization’s finances – collecting funds, handling deposits, and paying expenses – Jordan allegedly wrote 82 checks to himself, falsely claiming they were reimbursements for expenses he *never* incurred. The total take from the religious organization: approximately $57,384. He wasn’t taking a salary from the church, mind you. He had another gig for that.
That other gig? Director of Operations for a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania state senator. A position that apparently didn’t pay enough. Because, simultaneously, Jordan was also running a separate scam on Political Organization #1, one of 66 wards in Philadelphia. For nearly three decades, from 1996 through April 2025, Jordan was the elected leader, controlling the purse strings. He opened two bank accounts in the organization’s name, made himself the sole signatory, and got debit cards to access the funds. Then he started treating it like his personal ATM.
Court filings detail a shopping spree funded by the political organization’s members. Jordan used the funds for everything from airline tickets and car purchases to furniture, groceries, and everyday bills. He even dipped into the account to cover over $12,500 in expenses for a family member’s funeral in the summer of 2023. The total amount defrauded from Political Organization #1: at least $85,607. No benefit to the organization, no permission from members – just straight-up theft.
Combined, Jordan allegedly stole over $143,000 from these two groups. He faces a maximum possible term of 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud when he’s sentenced on November 19th. That’s a potential 40-year stretch for a man who abused his positions of trust for personal gain. The investigation is ongoing, and federal prosecutors aren’t ruling out further charges.
Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing. It’s another reminder that even those in positions of authority aren’t above exploiting the vulnerable for a quick buck. This isn’t just about money; it’s about a betrayal of faith and a violation of the public trust.
RELATED: Upper Darby Deacon Pleads Guilty to Religious and Political Fraud
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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