#USA #California – Bishop Emanuel Hana Shaleta (also spelled Emmanuel or Emanuel Shaleta) is a Chaldean Catholic prelate who served as the Eparch (bishop) of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of Saint Peter the Apostle of San Diego from 2017 until early 2026. He is now the Eparch Emeritus following the acceptance of his resignation by Pope Leo XIV.
Earlier this year, the Bishop was caught in a scandal following allegations of embezzlement and money laundering. He was later arrested on Thursday, March 4th, 2026, by San Diego County Sheriff’s as he attempted to flee the country. He faces numerous charges of embezzlement, money laundering, and one count of white collar crime enhancement.
On March 9, 2026, at an arraignment hearing in El Cajon, he pleaded not guilty to 16 felony counts (eight of embezzlement and eight of money laundering). The charges involve financial losses exceeding $200,000 (earlier reports referenced allegations around $270,000, including cash taken from the cathedral and attempts to reimburse via a charity account).
He spent four nights in county jail before the hearing. Bail was set at $125,000 with conditions: GPS monitoring, no access to the Church’s bank accounts, and his passport seized. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 27, 2026 (estimated 1.5 days). Conviction on all counts could mean up to 15 years in prison. The criminal complaint remains sealed for now.
Pope Leo XIV accepted Bishop Shaleta’s resignation (submitted earlier) in February 2026. The acceptance was publicly announced on March 10, 2026, by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States. Bishop Saad Sirop Hanna (a Chaldean bishop who survived a 2006 abduction by al-Qaida-linked terrorists) was appointed as apostolic administrator of the eparchy. No official press release or comment was made through the Vatican to comment on the arrest and investigation against Bishop Emeritus Shaleta.
Supporters of the bishop packed the courtroom and hallway during the arraignment, with some speaking to media in defense of his innocence. Priests of the eparchy issued a statement expressing solidarity with Bishop Shaleta and the eparchy, asking for prayers and protection from “negative attacks” while awaiting the outcome. The Chaldean Catholic Patriarchate acknowledged complaints from “some members” regarding mishandling of diocesan funds and allegations of inappropriate relationships. It stressed that investigations by the Apostolic See (with Patriarchate cooperation) were conducted thoroughly and called for careful, objective review rather than social media judgments. It emphasized unity and that all perspectives need proper documentation and time.
Image: Deputy District Attorney Joel Madero seen during a press meeting after the arraignment hearing of Bishop Emeritus Emanuel Shaleta.
