Jerry Dimitriou Charged with Two Embezzlement Schemes Involving Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

Jerry Dimitriou, former Executive Director of Administration for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, was arrested on November 25 and charged with two embezzlement schemes. The charges include misuse of the Archdiocese’s credit card for personal expenses and unauthorized salary payments. Dimitriou held the position for 19 years before being dismissed in 2017. He is set to appear before a federal judge in New York on the same day.
The arrest was announced by Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Ruth M. Mendonca, Assistant Inspector in Charge of the New York Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The charges stem from allegations that Dimitriou embezzled over $488,000 from Organization-1 by directing subordinates to issue him unauthorized salary payments. Additionally, he allegedly charged hundreds of personal expenses to his Organization-1 credit card, costing the organization tens of thousands of dollars.
According to the unsealed complaint, Dimitriou’s embezzlement schemes spanned from around 2000 until late 2017. The first scheme involved unauthorized use of the organization’s credit card for personal travel and other expenses. From May 2011 to September 2017, Dimitriou allegedly made at least 204 charges for airline travel with his family, who were not employed by the organization. The second scheme involved unauthorized salary payments, which totaled over $488,000.
U.S. Attorney Berman emphasized that Dimitriou’s role as a non-profit religious organization’s executive director was to serve the organization, not himself. He stated that the office is committed to protecting non-profit organizations from those who allegedly steal rather than serve. Assistant Inspector Mendonca noted that Dimitriou used his position of trust to steal from his employer, and his actions were uncovered through the Postal Inspection Service’s law enforcement efforts.
The case highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in religious and non-profit organizations. As Micah 6:8 reminds us, people are to act with integrity, justice, and mercy. The legal proceedings against Dimitriou underscore the need for institutional safeguards and ethical leadership. The outcome of this case may serve as a cautionary tale for those in positions of trust, reminding them that their actions are subject to scrutiny and justice.

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