Bishop Emmanuel Shaleta of St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Cathedral in El Cajon entered a not guilty plea Monday to all 17 felony charges during his arraignment at El Cajon Courthouse. The charges include eight counts of embezzlement, eight counts of money laundering, and an enhancement for aggravated white-collar crime. Shaleta faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison if convicted.

According to the San Diego County District Attorney's office, the charges allege criminal activity spanning several months beginning in 2024, with two counts assigned for each month of the alleged crimes. A church accountant discovered approximately $270,000 in missing funds, triggering an investigation by authorities.

Prosecutors allege that a tenant renting a hall owned by the church had been paying $30,000 monthly in rent. Shaleta allegedly instructed the tenant to switch from check payments to cash, with the funds routed to the bishop through the church secretary. Deputy District Attorney Joel Madero said the money was allegedly funneled through a needy account — funds designated to help those in need — before being moved to an operations account under the bishop's control.

Authorities arrested Shaleta Thursday night at San Diego International Airport, where he was reportedly carrying more than $9,000 in cash and appeared to be en route to Germany. The judge set bail at $125,000. If released, Shaleta must wear a GPS tracker within 72 hours and will have no access to church funds. The Sheriff's Office has taken possession of his passport.

A readiness hearing is scheduled for April 7, with a preliminary trial set for April 28. No plea deal discussions have occurred yet, according to the District Attorney. The Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle released a statement expressing solidarity with the bishop.