Bishop Shaleta Charged with Embezzlement, Money Laundering

0:00This is Cory, and here's what is making news across Durham right now. Bishop Emanuel Shaleta, leader of a small Caldeon Catholic community in California, has resigned and pleaded not guilty to charges of embezzling more, then $270,000 from his parish, along with money laundering. Pope Leo XIV announced the resignation on Tuesday after accepting it back in February. Prosecutors say the alleged theft happened at St. Peter Chaldeon Catholic Cathedral in El Cahomb. Shaleta was arrested last week at San Diego International Airport as he tried to board a flight out of the country. The accusations center on mismatched financial records from monthly rental payments exceeding $30,000 for the church's social haul. He faces 16 felony counts and could get up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Church members and leaders have rallied around Shaleta, with priests issuing a statement of support and asking for prayers. The bishop, now 69, was born in Iraq, trained in Rome, and ordained by Pope John Paul II in 1984.

1:04He served in Caldeon communities across the U.S. before his appointment in San Diego in 2017. The defense team calls the claims baseless, and a reason court filing with specifics remained sealed. A preliminary hearing is set for April 27. During a mass, Shaleta denied ever misusing church funds. Meanwhile, the Vatican named Bishop Saad Hanna-Sirap as temporary administrator. This comes amid broader changes, including the recent retirement of Caldeon Church Head Cardinal Louis Raphael Sacco, as tensions rise in the middle. East, the church urges unity and letting legal processes reveal the truth. This DNA story comes to you thanks to our sponsor. Your favorite podcasts, music, or sleep sounds coming from your pillow? No earbuds, no distractions, just listen and relax.