church

Man Arrested for Arson at Cumberland Church

Man Arrested for Arson at Cumberland Church

**Cumberland, MD** – A man has been arrested in connection with the deliberate burning of a tree at Radiant Life Church located on Park Street in Cumberland. Dalton Richard Eugene Gates, 32, was identified as the suspect after an investigation that utilized both surveillance footage and a fortuitous discovery on Facebook.

The incident occurred on December 9, just after 5:00 p.m., when a tree was found on fire at the church. The City of Cumberland Fire Department responded quickly to extinguish the blaze. The investigation, led by the Cumberland Fire Marshal’s Office, determined the fire was intentional and sought the help of the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

The investigation gained significant traction when Deputy State Fire Marshal Adam Rounds recognized the suspect’s image on the BCFP Reality News Facebook page. This discovery enabled collaboration with local authorities, including the Pennsylvania State Police and Bedford Borough Police, ultimately identifying and locating Gates.

Gates was apprehended on Thursday by the Pennsylvania State Police and is currently in custody at Bedford County Correctional Facility, awaiting extradition. He faces charges of malicious destruction of property and second-degree malicious burning.

Priest Pleads Guilty to Felony Theft of Church Donations

Priest Pleads Guilty to Felony Theft of Church Donations

**HARRISBURG, PA** – Attorney General Michelle Henry announced that George Athanasiou, a Washington County-based priest, has pleaded guilty to felony theft. Athanasiou was charged with misappropriating hundreds of church donation checks, which he signed and deposited via ATM transactions for personal use.

Athanasiou, 37, served as a priest at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Canonsburg when he illicitly signed, endorsed, and deposited the checks. On Wednesday, he appeared in Washington County Court and paid $155,000 in restitution. His sentencing is scheduled for February 18, 2025.

The investigation by the Office of Attorney General revealed over 200 unauthorized ATM transactions involving the church’s donation checks from 2022 to 2023. Video evidence demonstrated Athanasiou endorsing and depositing these checks via ATM. During a police interview, the priest admitted to stealing and endorsing checks without permission.

Attorney General Henry condemned the actions, emphasizing that the priest betrayed parishioners by stealing funds meant for the church community. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Evan Lowry.