Story perspectives

San Diego Bishop Resigns Amid Human Trafficking Allegations

2/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Bishop Emanuel Shaleta of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of San Diego resigned amid allegations of visiting a Tijuana brothel linked to human trafficking.
The Pillar reports Shaleta took more than a dozen trips and shared an account with a former parish secretary.
Allegations include irregular cash payments totaling about $427,000 from parish funds with no documentation.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department is investigating.
Cardinal Louis Raphaël Sako defended Shaleta.

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Story summary

Bishop Emanuel Shaleta of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of San Diego resigned amid allegations of visiting a Tijuana brothel linked to human trafficking.
The Pillar reports Shaleta took more than a dozen trips and shared an account with a former parish secretary.
Allegations include irregular cash payments totaling about $427,000 from parish funds with no documentation.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department is investigating.
Cardinal Louis Raphaël Sako defended Shaleta.