Bishop Emanuel Shaleta, 69, of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle, was dramatically arrested at San Diego International Airport as he prepared to board a flight to Rome. The arrest follows allegations that he embezzled up to $1 million from church funds and repeatedly visited a notorious Mexican brothel.
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According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, Shaleta faces eight counts of emb£zzlement, eight counts of money l@undering, and one count of aggravated white-collar cr+me. The investigation began after a church member reported suspected financial misconduct in August 2025, prompting the Vatican to launch a parallel inquiry.
Authorities allege Shaleta misappropriated at least $427,345 from parish accounts, issuing reimbursement checks to himself. In addition to financial allegations, he was reportedly seen at a Tijuana Gentleman’s Club described as a brothel where women and girls were allegedly tr@fficked. Reports claim he visited the establishment 12 times in a single month.
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Shaleta resigned from his episcopal duties in January but has denied all wrongdoing. “I have never in my priestly life or episcopal life ab¥sed any of the Church money,” he stated during a church service on February 22, asserting that he managed church donations responsibly.
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