California.— A prominent religious leader of the Chaldean Catholic Church was arrested after a financial investigation that lasted several months. San Diego County authorities arrested Emanuel Shaleta, bishop of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of Saint Peter the Apostle of San Diego, as he attempted to leave the country from San Diego International Airport.
The 60-year-old clergyman faces eight counts of embezzlement, eight counts of money laundering, and an aggravating charge of a white-collar felony, according to a statement released by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.
The arrest was the result of an investigation led by the Sheriff’s Fraud Unit, which analyzed alleged financial irregularities tied to church resources.
According to authorities, the case began last August when a representative of the Saint Peter Caldean Church, located in the unincorporated area of El Cajon, handed investigators a statement accompanied by documents suggesting possible financial irregularities.
After reviewing the material, the sheriff’s office determined there were indications of embezzlement, so the case was transferred to the financial crimes unit.
Authorities indicated that the investigation spanned several months before proceeding with the bishop’s arrest.
The church’s internal investigation began after the publication of a report by The Pillar, a Catholic media outlet specializing in investigations of ecclesiastical institutions.
According to that report, financial documents suggested that Shaleta had diverted money from the rental of a property owned by the church. Subsequently, the bishop would have replenished those funds by using money earmarked for charitable works.
The preliminary analysis indicated that at least $427,000 was missing, though the total could approach $1 million.
The journalistic investigation also included a report prepared by a private investigator, who allegedly documented part of the bishop’s personal life.
According to the report cited by The Pillar, Shaleta had been seen frequenting the Hong Kong Gentlemen’s Club brothel, located in Tijuana (Mexico), as well as regularly visiting the home of a woman with whom he shared a bank account.
The report indicates that they met while both worked at a parish in Michigan, kept in contact during Shaleta’s transfer to Toronto and later she moved to San Diego with her children.
According to the document cited by the outlet, the bishop had free access to the residence through a security system, while the woman also had keys to enter Shaleta’s residence.
A priest from the parish spoke briefly with NBC 7 San Diego, confirming that parishioners are aware of the report and the accusations, as the information has circulated widely on digital platforms.
Nevertheless, the clergyman said he could not comment on the investigation or on the impact the situation is having within the Caldean Catholic community.
According to The Pillar, Shaleta is said to have sent a resignation letter to the Vatican last month. However, a video posted on YouTube shows that the bishop continued to officiate Mass weeks later.
Local media reported that a statement was requested from the Holy See, but so far no official response has been issued.
After his arrest, Emanuel Shaleta was taken to the San Diego Central Jail, where he remains in custody with bail set at $125,000.
Additionally, his case is subject to California Penal Code Section 1275.1, which requires authorities to verify that funds used to pay bail do not originate from illicit activities.
