Bishop Emmanuel Shaleta, leader of St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Cathedral, was arrested Thursday at the San Diego International Airport while allegedly attempting to leave the country. Authorities accuse him of embezzlement and money laundering involving parish funds.

The investigation began in August 2025 after members of the church’s finance council detected irregular bank transactions. According to reviewed documents, approximately $427,000 intended for charitable works was allegedly used to cover personal and parish-related expenses, including the rental of a parish hall, and withdrawn in cash through checks signed by the bishop. Sources close to the case say the total amount could be even higher.

In addition to the financial allegations, Shaleta has come under scrutiny for his frequent trips to Tijuana, Mexico. Reports from a private investigator documented multiple late-night border crossings to the Hong Kong Gentlemen’s Club, an establishment that has raised questions about his conduct outside the country.

The Dicastery for the Eastern Churches at the Vatican has opened an internal investigation, delegated to José H. Gómez, archbishop of Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the Chaldean patriarch, Louis Raphael Sako, has expressed support for the bishop as the investigations continue. The Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle of San Diego, which serves communities in 19 western U.S. states, continues operating normally while awaiting an official resolution from the Holy See.

Shaleta has submitted his resignation, but it has not yet been accepted by the Vatican. The bishop has not issued public statements regarding the accusations. He is currently being held at the San Diego Central Jail on $125,000 bail and under a hold pursuant to California Penal Code section 1275.1.