Reports: San Diego Chaldean bishop investigated on suspicion of possible embezzlement

A bishop of a Chaldean Catholic church in El Cajon appears to be under investigation following allegations of embezzlement, according to media reports and the Sheriff’s Office — accusations the bishop denied from the pulpit over the weekend.

Last week, The Pillar, an investigative news outlet covering the Catholic Church, reported that the Vatican had ordered an investigation into Bishop Emanuel Shaleta of the Diocese of St. Peter the Apostle. The story alleges more than $427,000 in cash was “appropriated.”

Shaleta, 69, could not be reached for comment Wednesday, but he addressed the matter Sunday near the end of a Mass and adamantly denied the allegations.

“I have never in my priestly life or episcopal life abused any penny of the church money,” Shaleta said, according to a recording of the service, which was streamed on YouTube. “On the contrary, I have done my best to preserve and manage the donations of the church properly.”

Asked about news reports regarding the allegations, the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement: “The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office Fraud Unit is aware of media reports of alleged financial mishandling identifying Chaldean Bishop Emanuel Shaleta. As the case is still under active investigation, no additional information can be shared at this...