What to know about the embezzlement charges facing a former Chaldean Catholic bishop in California

Bishop Emanuel Shaleta, the head of the St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Cathedral in El Cajon, California, has resigned and pleaded not guilty to embezzlement and money laundering charges. The allegations involve over $270,000 taken from the parish, specifically discrepancies related to rental payments from a tenant of the church's social hall. Shaleta was arrested at San Diego International Airport while attempting to leave the country and faces 16 felony counts. The Vatican is also investigating the matter, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 27. If convicted on all charges, Shaleta could face up to 15 years in prison.

Bishop Emanuel Shaleta of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle in San Diego resigned after being charged with embezzling $270,000 from his parish. Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation, which was initially submitted in February but only announced recently to avoid interfering with the police investigation. Shaleta pleaded not guilty to 17 felony charges, including money laundering, and was arrested at San Diego International Airport while allegedly attempting to leave the country. Prosecutors allege discrepancies in church accounts and missing rental payments from the church's social hall. Bishop Saad Hanna Sirop has been appointed as temporary administrator.