A bishop from San Diego, known for his visits to a brothel in Tijuana, Mexico, has entered a plea of not guilty to 15 felony charges related to financial misconduct.

Emanuel Shaleta, associated with Saint Peter’s Chaldean Church in East County, stands accused of misappropriating at least $270,000 from the church. He reportedly claimed the funds were distributed to those in need.

Authorities have charged Shaleta with eight counts of embezzlement, eight counts of money laundering, and one count of aggravated white-collar crime, according to official statements.

This legal action follows revelations of Shaleta’s frequent visits to the Hong Kong Gentleman’s Club, a well-known establishment in Tijuana’s Zona Norte red-light district.

During a court session in El Cajon, Prosecutor Joel Madero expressed concerns over Shaleta’s potential flight risk, citing his arrest at the airport with a significant amount of cash.

“He was apprehended last Friday at San Diego International Airport, preparing to board a flight to Germany,” Madero informed NBC San Diego following the court proceedings.

“Given his access to funds, the fact that he had over $9,000 in the bag when he was stopped, and the fact that he has these international ties, we’re close to Mexico — I do believe that some bail to ensure he shows up is appropriate.”

Shaleta’s legal representation said the suspicious flight was pre-planned and the bishop wasn’t fleeing the charges. Madero didn’t believe them.

“That money effectively vanished, and the money was going to the bishop, via the secretary,” Madero said. “There is no accounting of that money. The bishop indicated that was given to the needy.”

Over $427,000 is unaccounted for — but the true number could be as high as $1 million, the Pillar reported. Shaleta ardently defended himself in a statement.

“I have never — in my episcopal life — have I used any penny of the church money,” Shaleta said. “On the contrary: I have done my best to preserve and manage the donations,” also saying, “you are the only one who can believe me and defend my integrity in the church financial matters and in life.”

The bishop has also drawn plenty of support from his church, though The Pillar reported that Shaleta sent a resignation letter to the Vatican last month. He was seen in the pulpit for a Sunday mass weeks ago.

“After hearing all of the critics and attacks against our eparchy and bishop, we ask the lord to protect our eparchy and bishop from all of the negative attacks,” his church, Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle, told NBC San Diego.

“We are in solidarity with our eparchy and bishop. We are awaiting the decision on this matter. Please continue to keep this eparchy in your prayers and remain faithful to the salvific mission of Christ.”

Parishioners were devastated about the bishop’s circumstances. “I cried,” Nidhal Shamoun told NBC San Diego. “He doesn’t deserve to be there.”

Others attending the church believe the charges are incorrect.

“This charge is not correct,” parishioner Farouk Gewarges told NBC San Diego. “It should be removed from him..I think so. They should come and talk to me.”

Shaleta has spent the last four nights in jail as he has been unable to make the $125,000 in bail.

He’s due back in court next month for a preliminary hearing in his case. He could spend 15 years in prison if convicted of his charges.

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