Former Chaldean Catholic Bishop in California Charged with Embezzlement

Bishop Emanuel Shaleta resigns and pleads not guilty to taking over $270,000 from his parish

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The bishop of a small Chaldean Catholic community in California has resigned and pleaded not guilty to embezzlement and money laundering charges after prosecutors said he took more than $270,000 from his parish. Bishop Emanuel Shaleta was arrested at the San Diego airport while trying to leave the country.

Why it matters

The case highlights concerns about financial misconduct within the Catholic Church, particularly in smaller dioceses and parishes. It also raises questions about oversight and accountability for church leaders, as well as the Vatican's role in investigating and responding to such allegations.

The details

Prosecutors allege that Shaleta embezzled funds from monthly rental payments of over $30,000 from a tenant of the church's social hall, and that there were discrepancies in the church's financial accounts. Shaleta has been charged with 16 felonies, including 8 counts of embezzlement and 8 counts of money laundering. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

  • On March 10, 2026, Bishop Emanuel Shaleta was arrested at the San Diego International Airport while trying to leave the country.
  • On March 11, 2026, Pope Leo XIV announced Shaleta's resignation.
  • On March 27, 2026, Shaleta pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The players

Bishop Emanuel Shaleta

The former bishop of the Eparchy of Mar Addai of Toronto of the Chaldeans in Canada and the Bishop of Saint Peter Apostle of San Diego of the Chaldeans, who is accused of embezzling over $270,000 from his parish.

Joel Madero

The prosecutor handling the case against Shaleta.

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope who accepted Shaleta's resignation.

Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako

The recently retired head of the Chaldean Catholic Church.

Bishop Saad Hanna Sirop

The temporary administrator appointed by Pope Leo XIV to oversee the Eparchy of San Diego after Shaleta's resignation.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

A preliminary hearing for Bishop Shaleta is scheduled for April 27, 2026, where a judge will determine if there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of financial oversight and accountability within the Catholic Church, particularly in smaller dioceses and parishes. It underscores the need for stronger financial controls and transparency to prevent such allegations of embezzlement and misconduct from occurring in the future.