Louisiana Pastor Convicted on 25 Counts for Stealing 340K From Two Churches
A jury convicted Dale Sanders, 56, of Kenner, Louisiana, on July 17, 2026, on 25 federal counts including wire fraud and obstruction of justice. Prosecutors showed Sanders used church debit cards and transferred funds to his personal accounts to pay for gambling, dining, and living expenses. He faces up to 20 years in prison at his October sentencing.
A federal jury in Louisiana convicted Dale Sanders, 56, on July 17, 2026, on 25 counts including wire fraud, access device fraud, and obstruction of a federal investigation.
Sanders served as pastor of two churches in the Kenner area. Prosecutors presented evidence showing he used church debit cards and transferred funds from church accounts into his personal bank accounts. The stolen money, totaling more than $340,000, went toward gambling, hotel stays, dining, and personal living expenses.
Sanders was also found guilty of obstruction of justice. Investigators said he provided falsified financial records in response to a federal grand jury subpoena.
The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney''s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Sentencing is scheduled for October 13, 2026. Sanders faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison on the most serious charges.
The two congregations Sanders defrauded were not publicly identified in court documents. Members of both churches testified during the trial about the financial damage done to their ministries.
The conviction is one of several high-profile cases in 2026 involving pastors charged with financial crimes against their congregations. Legal advocates for church accountability say the cases highlight the need for stronger financial oversight within faith communities.
