Emmanuel Shaleta has pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges during his arraignment at the El Cajon Courthouse. The bishop of St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Cathedral faces 17 charges, including eight counts of embezzlement and eight counts of money laundering.

Prosecutors allege that the suspected financial misconduct began in 2024 and involved about $270,000 missing from church funds. According to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, the issue was discovered after a church accountant noticed unexplained financial gaps.

Investigators claim a tenant renting a church hall paid monthly rent, but the payment method was allegedly changed to cash and routed through a secretary before reaching the bishop. Authorities believe the money was later moved through accounts meant for charity and operations, making it difficult to trace.

Shaleta was arrested at San Diego International Airport while preparing to travel abroad. The court set bail at $125,000 and ordered that he wear a GPS monitor if released, while his passport remains in custody ahead of his next hearing scheduled for April.