By Gina Yarbrough
El Cajon, CA–A bishop with a local church was arrested Thursday at San Diego International Airport on suspicion of embezzlement and money laundering tied to an alleged scheme involving a church in unincorporated El Cajon, authorities said.
According to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began Aug. 19, 2025, after a representative from St. Peter Chaldean Church reported possible financial misconduct. The church, located at 1627 Jamacha Way, provided investigators with a statement and documents indicating potential embezzlement.
Following an initial review, the case was referred to the Sheriff’s Fraud Unit for further investigation.
Authorities said Bishop Emmanuel Shaleta was detained March 5 while attempting to leave the country from the airport. He was arrested on eight counts of embezzlement, eight counts of money laundering and one count of aggravated white-collar crime enhancement.
Shaleta was transported to San Diego Central Jail, where he was booked on the charges. Bail was set at $125,000, and a court approved a hold, which requires a hearing to determine the source of bail funds.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Fraud Unit at (858) 285-6111. Anonymous tips can be provided through San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
