Sean Sweeney 

By Jillian Pikora From Daily Voice

A former business manager is accused of stealing more than $1.1 million from Saint Matthias Church in Bala Cynwyd, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele announced on Friday, Nov. 21. 

Sean Sweeney, 60, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, turned himself in after investigators said he used his payroll authority to funnel church funds into bank accounts he controlled between 2018 and 2024. Sweeney had served as the parish’s business manager from 2017 until his firing in 2024, according to the release. 

Detectives began reviewing the church’s financial records in December 2024 after the Archdiocese of Philadelphia flagged concerns about missing money. Investigators said Sweeney was responsible for relaying payroll information to PrimePay, the church’s payroll processing company. Instead, payroll documents show $1,134,906.35 was deposited directly into Sweeney’s personal and business accounts, the DA’s Office said. Bank records reviewed in the criminal complaint show the money was allegedly used for tuition, car payments, vacations, and various personal expenses. 

The affidavit details that Sweeney was simultaneously operating two companies—Merrion Square Capital and Merrion Square Advisors—while working at the parish. Investigators said he issued invoices for “reimbursements” and “expenses” that clergy later told detectives they never authorized, approved, or received documentation for. Multiple priests also reported Sweeney was rarely in the office and often billed for hours they could not verify. 

Sweeney is charged with Felony Theft by Unlawful Taking, Felony Theft by Deception, Felony Receiving Stolen Property, Felony Unlawful Use of a Communications Facility, Misdemeanor Tampering with Records, and Misdemeanor Securing Execution of Documents by Deception, according to court papers. 

He was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Todd N. Barnes, who set bail at $100,000 unsecured. Sweeney was ordered to surrender his passport, avoid Saint Matthias Church, and have no contact with employees connected to the case, the DA’s Office said. His preliminary hearing is set for noon on Wednesday, Dec. 3, before Magisterial District Judge Karen Eisner Zucker.