A Louisiana pastor and author has been convicted of defrauding two churches of more than $340,000, which prosecutors said he used to fund gambling, dining and other personal expenses.Court
Dale Sanders, 56, was found guilty after a five-day jury trial on a 25-count federal indictment bordering on wire fraud, access device fraud and obstruction of a federal investigation.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Sanders diverted church funds into his personal accounts and used a church-issued debit card for unauthorised personal spending.
Investigators said the fraud took place between April 2020 and April 2024 while Sanders served as pastor of Fifth African Baptist Church in New Orleans and Second New Guide Missionary Baptist Church in Metairie.
Prosecutors told the court that Sanders unlawfully received cash, goods and services valued at more than $340,000 by withdrawing money from church accounts and spending it on his personal lifestyle, including gambling and restaurant bills.
Authorities also accused him of attempting to obstruct the federal investigation by submitting a falsified document in response to a grand jury subpoena.
Despite the criminal charges filed against him in April, Sanders took to social media to address his congregation, urging members to pray for those he described as his enemies.
In the video, he thanked church members for their support and prayers, saying he could feel their encouragement during the difficult period.
He also appealed to them to pray for those opposing him, quoting Matthew 5:44 and insisting that God would deal with his enemies.
Beyond his pastoral work, Sanders is known for regularly posting sermons and worship videos online. He is also the author of Strut Your Stutter, a book encouraging readers to embrace themselves despite their imperfections.
Following his conviction, Sanders now faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release after serving his sentence, and other statutory penalties, including mandatory assessments.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13.
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