US Pastor Convicted of Stealing $340,000 From Churches to Fund Gambling, Lavish Lifestyle

• A US pastor has been convicted of stealing $340,000 from two churches in Louisiana and using the money to fund gambling, dining and other personal expenses, according to federal prosecutors.

A United States pastor, Dale Sanders, has been convicted of stealing more than $340,000 from two churches in Louisiana and using the funds to finance gambling, personal expenses and what prosecutors described as a lavish lifestyle.

According to the New York Post, the 56-year-old was found guilty by a federal jury on 25 counts, including wire fraud, access device fraud and obstruction of a federal investigation, following a five-day trial.

The conviction was announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

The churches involved were identified as Fifth African Baptist Church in New Orleans and Second New Guide Missionary Baptist Church in Metairie, where Sanders served as pastor.

Federal prosecutors said Sanders diverted church funds between April 2020 and April 2024, using money from church bank accounts and a church-issued debit card to pay for unauthorized personal expenses.

Investigators alleged that the stolen funds were spent on 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 to investigators, leading to the additional obstruction charge.

Following his indictment, Sanders reportedly posted a video on social media urging members of his congregation to pray for him while describing those accusing him as his “enemy.”

The pastor is scheduled to be sentenced in October.

He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, supervised release and other penalties.

The case has sparked renewed debate in the United States over financial accountability and transparency within religious organizations, particularly regarding the handling of church funds entrusted to religious leaders.