California bishop accused of siphoning church funds, visiting brothels in Tijuana

California bishop Emanuel Shaleta of Saint Peter’s Chaldean in San Diego is charged with embezzlement, money laundering and an aggravated white-collar-crime enhancement for allegedly siphoning church funds. Prosecutors say the scheme involved cash rent payments over $30,000 per month, with about $272,000 unaccounted and more than $420,000 reportedly misappropriated (potentially up to $1 million). He was arrested at San Diego International Airport while attempting to flee to Germany; bail is $125,000 and he faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. The Vatican has accepted his resignation; The Pillar reported alleged visits to a Tijuana brothel, which his attorney says were planned and funds were for the needy.