LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- A 69-year-old Chaldean Catholic bishop is facing criminal charges after authorities accused him of embezzling church funds while allegedly visiting a notorious Mexican brothel, 12 times a month.
The leader of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle, Bishop Emmanuel Shaleta, was arrested at San Diego International Airport on Thursday while allegedly trying to leave the United States. Law enforcement officials charged Shaleta with eight counts of embezzlement, eight counts of money laundering, and one count of aggravated white-collar crime.
Investigators said the probe began in August 2025 after a church member reported suspicious financial activity. According to records, at least $427,345 in parish funds was allegedly redirected into accounts controlled by Shaleta, including rental payments from a church-owned social hall. Investigators claim he issued reimbursement checks to himself, signing them personally. Some estimates suggest the total misappropriated could approach $1 million.
The case intensified after allegations of personal misconduct surfaced. A private investigator reportedly said Shaleta made more than a dozen visits in one month to a Tijuana gentleman’s club described as operating like a brothel where women and girls were allegedly trafficked. Authorities also noted his long-term personal relationship with a former parish secretary in Michigan, including shared finances and unrestricted access to her home.
Shaleta denied any wrongdoing during a February 23 church service, telling parishioners, “I have never in my priestly life or episcopal life abused any penny of the church money. On the contrary I have done my best to preserve and manage the donations of the church properly.”
He claimed that funds given to struggling families were private donations that were later reported to the Vatican without his knowledge.
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“The Vatican did an investigation about me without even notifying me,” he added.
Following his arrest, Shaleta was taken to San Diego Central Jail, where he is held on $125,000 bail pending arraignment. His attorney suggested the circumstances of the arrest could be interpreted in multiple ways, saying flight to avoid prosecution might imply guilt but could also have an innocent explanation.
Authorities, along with church officials, continue to review both financial and personal allegations, with investigations still active. The Vatican has also launched its own review, working alongside civil authorities to assess the allegations and determine appropriate disciplinary action.
