Pastor convicted of stealing over $340,000 to fund gambling, personal expenses
Louisiana Pastor Convicted of Stealing $340,000 from Churches
A 56-year-old pastor and author from Louisiana has been convicted of embezzling more than $340,000 from two churches he served. Dale Sanders was found guilty on a 25-count federal indictment, which included charges of wire fraud, access device fraud, and obstruction of a federal investigation, following a five-day jury trial, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Prosecutors detailed that Sanders, a Kenner resident, withdrew funds from the bank accounts of one church, redirecting the money to support personal expenses, including gambling and dining. Authorities noted that he also used a church debit card for unauthorized purchases and acquired cash, goods, and services totaling over $340,000.
The fraudulent transactions occurred between April 2020 and April 2024. During the investigation, Sanders allegedly submitted a falsified record in response to a federal grand jury subpoena.
Sanders has served as a pastor at Fifth African Baptist Church in New Orleans and Second New Guide Missionary Baptist Church in Metairie. He is also the author of “Strut Your Stutter,” a book encouraging readers to embrace their individuality.
Following his indictment in April, Sanders posted a video on social media, requesting prayers from his congregation for both himself and what he referred to as his “enemy.”
Sanders faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, along with a fine of up to $250,000, three years of supervised release following his prison term, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 for each count. He is set to be sentenced on October 13.
