NEWS
U.S Pastor, Dale Sanders Convicted of Stealing Over $340,000 From Two Churches to Fund Gambling and Personal Lifestyle
A United States pastor, Dale Sanders, has been convicted of stealing more than $340,000 from two churches in Louisiana and using the money to fund gambling, personal expenses and an extravagant lifestyle.
Sanders, 56, was found guilty by a federal jury on 25 criminal counts following a five-day trial. The convictions include wire fraud, access device fraud and obstruction of a federal investigation. The verdict was announced by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
The case involves Fifth African Baptist Church in New Orleans and Second New Guide Missionary Baptist Church in Metairie, Louisiana, where Sanders served as pastor.
According to prosecutors, Sanders diverted church funds between April 2020 and April 2024 by making unauthorized transactions from church bank accounts and using a church-issued debit card for personal spending. Investigators said the stolen funds were used to finance gambling, dining, living expenses and other personal purchases unrelated to church activities.
Authorities also accused Sanders of attempting to obstruct the federal investigation by providing falsified financial records, leading to the additional obstruction charge.
Following his indictment, Sanders reportedly released a video on social media asking members of his congregation to pray for him while describing those accusing him as his enemies.
He is scheduled to be sentenced in October and faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, supervised release and other penalties under federal law.
The conviction has sparked renewed discussions about financial accountability, transparency and oversight within religious organizations, particularly in the management of church funds entrusted to spiritual leaders.