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.
According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, Shaleta faces eight counts of embezzlement, eight counts of money laundering, and one count of aggravated white-collar crime. 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 trafficked. Reports claim he visited the establishment 12 times in a single month.
Shaleta resigned from his episcopal duties in January but has denied all wrongdoing. “I have never in my priestly life or episcopal life abused any of the Church money,” he stated during a church service on February 22, asserting that he managed church donations responsibly.
