Pope accepts resignation of California bishop accused of embezzling $270,000

CALIFORNIA – Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Bishop Emanuel Hana Shaleta, the Vatican announced March 10.

Shaleta previously led the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle in San Diego.

The resignation comes amid charges alleging he embezzled $270,000 from St. Peter Chaldean Church in El Cajon, a parish within the eparchy.

Shaleta, 69, pleaded not guilty Monday to 16 felony charges, including money laundering, during a hearing attended by many supporters.

The hearing followed his arrest Thursday at San Diego International Airport as he tried to leave the country, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.

He was arrested on eight counts of embezzlement, eight counts of money laundering and one count of aggravated white-collar crime enhancement.

Monthly rental payments allegedly missing

Prosecutor Joel Madero said the case centers on more than $30,000 in monthly rental payments from a church social hall tenant that were allegedly missing.

He said church accounts showed discrepancies and that Shaleta “provided completely unreasonable tales of where that money was going.”

Shaleta is being held on $125,000 bail and the judge seized his passport.

Although Madero called Shaleta a flight risk, the bishop’s attorney said Thursday’s trip had been planned for some time.

Faces up to 15 years in prison

Leo accepted Shaleta’s resignation in February, but it was not announced until this week, according to the Vatican embassy in Washington. The Holy See appears to have delayed the announcement to avoid interfering with the police investigation.

Shaleta could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted on all charges, the district attorney’s office said.

A preliminary hearing is set for April 27.