Bishop Emmanuel Shaleta Pleads Not Guilty to Embezzlement and Money Laundering Charges
Bishop Emmanuel Shaleta of St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Cathedral in El Cajon, California, has entered a plea of not guilty to all 17 felony charges brought against him during his arraignment at the El Cajon Courthouse. The charges, which include eight counts of embezzlement, eight counts of money laundering, and an enhancement for aggravated white-collar crime, allege criminal activity spanning multiple months beginning in 2024.
Details of the Alleged Crimes
According to the District Attorney's office, Shaleta is accused of embezzling $270,000 from the church. The investigation was triggered when a church accountant discovered missing funds. "An individual at the church identified money that was just unaccounted for, and then investigation stemmed from that," said Joel Madero, Deputy District Attorney.
Authorities allege that a tenant renting a hall owned by the church paid $30,000 monthly in rent. Initially, payments were made by check, but Shaleta allegedly instructed the tenant to switch to cash payments, with the money going to the bishop through the church secretary. The District Attorney's office claims Shaleta attempted to conceal the cash by funneling it through a needy account—funds designated to help those in need—before moving it to an operations account under his control.
"That money effectively vanished, and the money was going to the bishop via the secretary; there's no accounting of that money," Madero stated.
Arrest and Bail Conditions
Shaleta was arrested at the San Diego International Airport on Thursday night while carrying a bag containing over $9,000. The District Attorney cited this as evidence of flight risk, noting his planned travel to Germany, access to funds, and international ties. "I did believe that some bail to ensure that he shows up was appropriate," Madero said.
During the arraignment, which was attended by several supporters including parishioner Faruk Gewiarges, the judge set bail at $125,000. If released, Shaleta must wear a GPS tracker within 72 hours and will have no access to church funds. The Sheriff's Office currently holds his passport and will transfer it to the court.
Legal Proceedings and Church Response
No plea deal discussions have occurred yet, according to the District Attorney. Shaleta faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison if convicted. The church has released a statement expressing solidarity with the bishop.
Shaleta's next hearing is scheduled for April 7, with a preliminary trial set for April 28. The case continues to unfold as legal authorities pursue the charges against him.
