Pastor Convicted of Stealing Over $340,000 from Church Accounts
A Louisiana pastor and author has been found guilty of stealing more than $340,000 from his congregations to support his gambling habit and personal expenses. Dale Sanders, 56, was convicted on a 25-count indictment including wire fraud, access device fraud, and obstruction of a federal investigation after a five-day jury trial, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
How the Fraud Was Carried Out
Prosecutors stated that Sanders, a resident of Kenner, withdrew funds from one church’s bank accounts and transferred them to his own accounts to cover lavish personal expenditures, including gambling, dining, and living expenses. He also used a church debit card for unauthorized personal transactions and received cash, goods, and services totaling over $340,000. The fraudulent activities occurred between April 2020 and April 2024, according to the indictment.
Pastor's Role and Response
Sanders served as pastor at the Fifth African Baptist Church in New Orleans and Second New Guide Missionary Baptist Church in Metairie, as indicated on his social media. After being indicted in April, he posted a video asking congregants to pray for his “enemy.” He thanked churchgoers for their support, saying, “I feel your prayers. God is already working and moving by his Spirit.” He urged them to pray a Matthew 5:44 prayer for his enemy, stating, “If you pray for my enemy, God will not only bless me, but he will deal with them.”
Obstruction and Additional Details
Prosecutors detailed that Sanders provided a falsified record in response to a grand jury subpoena. He frequently posted videos on social media delivering sermons and singing during church services. He also authored the book “Strut your Stutter,” encouraging people to “be peacock proud of whoever you are and whatever you’re working with.”
Sentencing and Penalties
Sanders faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee per count. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 13.
