El Cajon Chaldean Bishop Pleads Not Guilty to Embezzlement

Bishop Emanuel Shaleta accused of stealing over $250,000 from church funds

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Bishop Emanuel Shaleta, 69, of the Diocese of St. Peter the Apostle in El Cajon, California, has been arraigned on eight counts each of embezzlement and money laundering. Prosecutors allege that Shaleta stole over $250,000 from the church by having monthly rent payments from a church hall tenant diverted to him in cash, which he then covered up by transferring money from an account meant to help the poor. Shaleta pleaded not guilty and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Why it matters

The allegations against Bishop Shaleta have rocked the Chaldean Catholic community in El Cajon, where he was a respected leader. The case raises questions about financial oversight and accountability within religious institutions, as well as the potential for abuse of power by clergy members.

The details

According to prosecutors, Shaleta requested that a tenant renting the church hall make monthly payments of over $30,000 in cash to a church employee, who then provided the cash directly to Shaleta. Shaleta then allegedly covered up the missing rental income by transferring money from an account meant to help the poor into the church's operating account. When a church financial advisor questioned Shaleta about the missing funds, the bishop reportedly provided "completely unreasonable tales" and removed the advisor's access to the church's accounts.

  • The alleged incidents occurred over an 8-month period in 2024.

The players

Bishop Emanuel Shaleta

The 69-year-old bishop of the Diocese of St. Peter the Apostle in El Cajon, California, who has been accused of embezzling over $250,000 from the church.

Sharon Appelbaum

The defense attorney representing Bishop Shaleta, who has stated that the allegations against her client are false.

Joel Madero

The deputy district attorney prosecuting the case against Bishop Shaleta.

Judge Peter Lynch

The East County Superior Court judge presiding over the arraignment of Bishop Shaleta.

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What they’re saying

“We do plan on showing that these allegations are false.”

— Sharon Appelbaum, Defense Attorney (The San Diego Union-Tribune)

“Instead of providing any plausible outcome for what was happening with $30,000 a month worth of cash — in excess of $270,000 total — the defendant provided completely unreasonable tales of where that money was going.”

— Joel Madero, Deputy District Attorney (The San Diego Union-Tribune)

What’s next

Bishop Shaleta's preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 28. If he is able to post the $125,000 bail, he will be required to wear a GPS locator.

The takeaway

The allegations against Bishop Shaleta have shaken the Chaldean Catholic community in El Cajon and raised concerns about financial oversight and accountability within religious institutions. The case highlights the potential for abuse of power by clergy members and the importance of robust financial controls and transparency within churches and other non-profit organizations.