https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/san-diego-chaldean-bishop-is-arrested-at-airport-charged-with-financial-crimes/3990763/



San Diego Chaldean bishop arrested at airport, charged with financial crimes

Bishop Emanuel Shalet, who is accused of embezzling church funds and money laundering, visited brothels in Tijuana, according to an article in The Pillar, which is staffed by a team of Catholic journalists who uncover church issues.

The Pillar article stated that documents show that Shaleta may have misappropriated funds that came in the form of rental payments for a property owned by the church. According to The Pillar, Shaleta then repaid that money with funds reserved for charity. More than $427,000 is missing, but the article states the number could be as high as $1 million.

The Pillar's reporting also shows Shaleta was a regular at a Tijuana brothel called The Hong Kong Billionaire’s Club. A private investigator’s report obtained by The Pillar shows the investigator followed the bishop and witnessed his comings and goings.

The Pillar's investigator also reported that Shaleta frequented the home of a woman with whom he shares a bank account. The two met when they both worked for the church in Michigan, then stayed in contact when Shaleta was transferred to Toronto. When Shaleta was transferred to San Diego, the woman and her children followed him. According to The Pillar, the investigator's report shows Shaleta had unfettered access to the woman’s home, using a security keypad to enter. The woman was also witnessed using keys to enter Shaleta’s home. They were together for long periods of time, according to the investigator’s report obtained by The Pillar.

The investigator’s report adds that Shaleta was often seen alone with the woman’s children, treating them as one would their own children.