Dale Sanders, 56, was found guilty of 25 fraud and obstruction counts after prosecutors said he used church funds for gambling and personal expenses
United States pastor Dale Sanders, 56, has been convicted of stealing more than $340,000 from two churches in Louisiana to fund gambling, dining, living costs and other personal expenses.
Also read: Nigerian lawyer seeks revocation of US Pastor’s adoption rights over orphan
A federal jury found Sanders guilty on 25 counts of wire fraud, access device fraud and obstruction of a federal investigation following a five-day trial before US District Judge Brandon S. Long.
The conviction was announced by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana in a statement published by the US Department of Justice.
According to federal prosecutors, Sanders defrauded two churches, identified in court documents as Church A and Church B, by using false and fraudulent representations to obtain money and property to which he was not entitled.
Prosecutors said Sanders transferred money from Church A’s bank accounts into accounts he controlled and used the funds to finance his personal lifestyle.
The US Attorney’s Office said the money was used for expenses including gambling, dining and living costs.
The statement said Sanders also used Church A’s debit card to make unauthorised personal transactions, receiving cash, goods and services worth more than $340,000.
The jury also convicted the pastor of obstructing a federal investigation after finding that he provided a falsified record in response to a grand jury subpoena.
The statement said, “SANDERS was also found guilty of obstruction of a federal investigation for providing a falsified record in response to a grand jury subpoena.”
The conviction brings to an end a federal criminal trial that exposed the alleged misuse of funds entrusted to Sanders through his association with the two Louisiana churches.
US Attorney David I. Courcelle commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Orleans Field Office for its work in investigating the case.
Assistant US Attorneys Kathryn McHugh and Tracey Knight of the Financial Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Sanders is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13, 2026, by Judge Long.
The 56-year-old pastor faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and up to three years of supervised release following imprisonment.
He may also be required to pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee for each count.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences that can follow the alleged misuse of funds held in positions of trust, particularly where financial misconduct is compounded by attempts to obstruct an official investigation.
Also read: Reps demand immediate rescue of Ekiti worshippers, justice for slain pastor
Sanders will now await sentencing, when the court will determine the penalties arising from his conviction on the 25 counts.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
