Willie Jordan, 68, of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud in federal court. The plea was entered before United States District Judge Harvey Bartle III following charges unsealed earlier in the day.
According to information presented in court and related filings, Jordan held positions of trust at both a Philadelphia religious organization and a local political organization. As a deacon and trustee for Religious Organization #1, he managed financial matters including collecting funds, depositing them into bank accounts, and paying expenses. Although he did not receive a salary from the religious group—his income came from his role as Director of Operations for a state senator with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania—Jordan was given almost complete control over the organization's finances.
Between January 2020 and January 2024, Jordan issued approximately 82 fraudulent checks to himself from the religious organization's business account totaling about $57,384. These checks were falsely described as reimbursements for expenses that he had not actually incurred. The actions were taken without knowledge or permission from other trustees or members.
Jordan also led Political Organization #1—one of Philadelphia's 66 wards—for several decades. From at least January 2020 through January 2024, he opened two bank accounts in the name of Political Organization #1 and made himself sole signatory on both accounts. He used debit cards linked to these accounts for personal purchases at various retailers and to pay personal bills including credit card balances and utility payments. In summer 2023, more than $12,500 from organizational funds went toward funeral expenses for a family member.
The total loss suffered by Political Organization #1 is estimated at $85,607 due to these unauthorized transactions.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 19. Each count of wire fraud carries a maximum possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Assistant United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen and Special Assistant United States Attorney James E. Price are prosecuting the case.
"This case was investigated by the FBI and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen and Special Assistant United States Attorney James E. Price."
