Chaldean Bishop Under Investigation for Embezzlement and Brothel Visits
The resignation has not yet been accepted by Leo XIV.
Financial Investigation
The inquiry began in November 2024, when finance council members at St. Peter’s Chaldean Cathedral in El Cajon, California, discovered irregularities in rental income from the parish social hall, which generates approximately $33,990 per month.
According to documents reviewed by the Substack.com-Account The Pillar (February 19):
• At least eight months of rent were reportedly paid in cash directly to the bishop.
• Parish accounts were later “reimbursed” using checks drawn from a fund designated for charitable assistance to the poor.
• At least $427,345 was handled in this manner.
• An additional $30,000 in Mass offerings was allegedly processed similarly.
Shaleta has stated that the cash was used for charitable purposes in the United States and abroad, but investigators found no documentation substantiating those distributions.
The matter was reported in 2025 to the apostolic nuncio and to civil authorities in San Diego County. A criminal investigation is ongoing.
The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Eastern Churches also launched a canonical investigation, delegated to Archbishop José Gómez of Los Angeles.
Personal Conduct Allegations
The Vatican dossier reportedly includes further allegations of inappropriate conduct.
It is about repeated late-night crossings into Tijuana, Mexico, to visit the Hong Kong Gentlemen’s Club, described in media reports as a brothel.
The investigation also references a longstanding joint bank account maintained with a woman who previously served as a parish secretary, along with documented close personal association.
Reports additionally state that Bishop Shaleta practiced superstitious palm reading.
Shaleta has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Patriarchal Support
Louis Sako, Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, has reportedly expressed reservations about the accusations.
He sought support for the bishop in Rome as the investigation continues.
No final determination has yet been announced by either civil authorities or the Vatican.
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