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2w ago

Pope Accepts Resignation of San Diego Chaldean Bishop Facing Embezzlement and Money-Laundering Charges

The Vatican also appointed Bishop Saad Hanna Sirop to administer the eparchy during the civil case.

Pope Leo celebrates Mass at the Parish of Saint Mary of the Presentation in Rome, Italy, March 8, 2026. REUTERS/Ciro De Luca
Image
The St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Cathedral is seen Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in El Cajon, Calif. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The head of Vatican Security, Gianluca Gauzzi Broccoletti, center, follows Pope Leo XIV as he visits the parish complex of Santa Maria della Presentazione on the outskirts of Rome, Sunday, March 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Overview

  • Bishop Emanuel Shaleta pleaded not guilty in El Cajon after being charged with eight counts of embezzlement, eight counts of money laundering, and an aggravated white-collar enhancement.
  • Prosecutors allege about $270,000 in cash rental payments for a parish hall disappeared after a tenant was told to pay in cash, with funds later moved between church accounts.
  • A judge set bail at $125,000 with GPS monitoring if released, ordered surrender of Shaleta’s passport, and required scrutiny of any bail funds under California’s 1275.1 provision.
  • Deputies arrested Shaleta on March 5 at San Diego International Airport as he prepared to fly to Germany and found nearly $10,000 in cash, with prosecutors citing flight-risk concerns and the defense calling the trip pre-planned.
  • The sheriff’s probe began in August 2025 after a church representative provided documents, a preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 27, and separate reporting by The Pillar has alleged larger losses and personal misconduct not reflected in the filed charges.