Credit: Ana Cecilia Rámirez / Calafia Noticias

Chaldean Bishop Emanuel Shaleta is facing an investigation following allegations of irregularities in the management of parish funds and reports of inappropriate conduct outside the United States.

 

According to reporting by The Pillar, the first warnings emerged when members of the financial council at St. Peter’s Chaldean Cathedral in El Cajon noticed bank transactions that did not match the intended use of certain funds.

 

An internal review revealed that payments related to renting a parish hall — costing nearly $34,000 per month — were allegedly covered using funds intended for charitable purposes. Some of the money, according to cited documents, was withdrawn in cash via checks signed by the bishop himself.

 

While confirmed amounts total around $427,000, sources linked to the case suggest the sum under investigation could be higher. The case file has been referred both to the Apostolic Nuncio in the United States and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, which is conducting an ongoing investigation with the assistance of forensic accounting experts.

 

In parallel, the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches ordered an internal inquiry delegated to Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles. This process also examines reports of alleged improper conduct and frequent trips to Tijuana.

 

According to the report, a private investigator documented multiple nighttime border crossings to the border city, specifically to the Hong Kong Gentlemen’s Club, with visits occurring frequently during certain periods.

 

So far, Shaleta has not publicly addressed the accusations. Although he submitted his resignation, it has not been accepted by the Vatican. Meanwhile, Chaldean Patriarch Louis Sako reportedly intervened to express support for the bishop while the investigations continue.

 

The San Diego Eparchy, which encompasses communities across 19 western U.S. states, continues to operate normally pending an official determination from the Holy See.