Emanuel Shaleta, the 69-year-old former leader of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of Saint Peter the Apostle, was arrested on March 5, 2026, at San Diego International Airport. Authorities said he was taken into custody while allegedly attempting to leave the country for Rome.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Shaleta pleaded not guilty on March 9, 2026, during a court appearance in El Cajon.
Prosecutors allege he embezzled at least $270,000 from St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Cathedral. Authorities also claim he was carrying a bag of cash at the time of his arrest.
The case includes eight counts of embezzlement, eight counts of money laundering, and an enhancement for aggravated white-collar crime. If convicted, Shaleta faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
He was initially held on $125,000 bail and was released on March 10 after posting bond.
Resignation and Additional Allegations
Following the arrest, Pope Leo XIV accepted Shaleta’s resignation on March 10, 2026. Saad Sirop Hanna was appointed apostolic administrator to oversee the San Diego eparchy.
Separate reporting by The Pillar alleged that Shaleta frequently visited the Hong Kong Gentlemen’s Club, described as a brothel. A private investigator reportedly tracked the bishop’s vehicle to the club’s parking lot.
Shaleta’s attorney has denied the financial allegations. The bishop previously said during a February Mass that church funds in question had been distributed to people in need.