Former Chaldean Bishop Emanuel Shaleta faces trial for embezzlement

Emanuel Hana Shaleta, the former Chaldean Catholic Bishop of San Diego, has rejected a potential plea deal and is proceeding toward a criminal trial. Shaleta faces up to 15 years in prison on 16 criminal counts, including eight counts of embezzlement and eight counts of money laundering.

Prosecutors allege that Shaleta misappropriated more than $270,000 from the Saint Peter the Apostle Chaldean Cathedral in El Cajon. The investigation suggests he attempted to cover missing funds using checks signed from a cathedral charity account. Testimony during preliminary hearings included reports of requests to pay rent in cash to assist those in Iraq.

In addition to financial charges, Shaleta has been accused of personal misconduct, including frequent visits to a brothel in Tijuana, Mexico, linked to human trafficking. Shaleta has pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining his innocence and claiming he is the victim of a media campaign and internal opposition within his diocese.