John A. Miller, the former executive director and treasurer of a Philadelphia religious nonprofit, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering charges in federal court. The announcement was made by United States Attorney David Metcalf.
Miller admitted to diverting over $1.6 million from the organization, which supports widows and orphans of deceased clergy members. According to prosecutors, between 2015 and 2022, Miller disguised wires meant for beneficiaries as personal checks issued to himself. He also created false records in the nonprofit’s accounting ledgers to hide these payments.
Court documents state that Miller used the misappropriated funds for personal expenses, including luxury travel and purchasing a high-end condominium in Philadelphia. After learning about the investigation, he sold the property but law enforcement seized the proceeds during the transaction.
Under a plea agreement, Miller will pay $1,626,556 in restitution and forfeit $281,109.96 from the sale of the condominium. He faces up to 30 years in prison, with sentencing set for June 22, 2026.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Alisa Shver and Alexander Bowerman are prosecuting the case.
"United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that John A. Miller, 76, of Philadelphia, pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge Kelly B. Hodge to one count of wire fraud and one count of engaging in a monetary transaction involving criminally derived property."
