PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A former state employee admitted to stealing more than $140,000 from religious and political organizations he was involved in over a four-year period.
Willie Jordan, 68, of Upper Darby pleaded guilty on Wednesday to two counts of wire fraud in a federal court. Jordan admitted he stole $57,384 from an unnamed Philadelphia religious organization where he served as deacon and $85,607 from the city’s 44th Ward while he served as the ward’s Democratic leader.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, between 2020 and 2024, Jordan cut checks to himself from the religious organization under the pretense of reimbursing himself for expenses he incurred on its behalf. He reportedly opened accounts for the political organization, making himself sole signatory.
Officials said Jordan spent the money on credit card, utility and telephone bills, and other personal expenses — and at one point, used $12,500 from the political organization to pay for a family member’s funeral.
During that time, Jordan was director of operations for Pennsylvania state Sen. Vincent Hughes. Hughes’ office said Jordan is no longer an employee of the state and that none of the allegations against Jordan involved his work in state offices.
Philadelphia records indicate Jordan and a political action committee he ran in the 44th Ward entered an agreement to pay the city $8,000 in penalties seven years ago for campaign finance violations.
Jordan faces up to 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 19.