A Louisiana pastor has been found guilty of stealing more than £251,000 ($340,000) from two churches he led, after federal prosecutors said he spent the money on gambling, restaurants, and other personal costs. The case has drawn fresh attention to how religious groups manage donations and financial oversight.
Dale Sanders, 56, of Kenner, Louisiana, was convicted after a five-day jury trial in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Jurors found him guilty on multiple federal charges, including wire fraud, access device fraud, and obstruction of a federal investigation, according to the US Attorney's Office and court records.
How Prosecutors Said the Church Money Was Spent
Federal prosecutors said Sanders took church funds over a period of about four years while serving as pastor of two churches in Louisiana. They said he withdrew money directly from church bank accounts and also used a church debit card for purchases that had nothing to do with church work.
Louisiana pastor Dale Sanders found guilty of stealing over $340K from churches and using it to gamble and fund a lavish lifestyle.
— My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) July 23, 2026
Now, as he faces up to 20 years in prison, he told his congregants to “pray for me and my enemies, and ask god to work for him” pic.twitter.com/GSOXdFqucc
Investigators told the court that much of the money went towards gambling. The stolen funds were also used for restaurant meals, household bills, and other personal spending instead of supporting church ministries and operations.
The total amount taken was more than £251,000 ($340,000), according to evidence presented during the trial. Prosecutors argued that the spending showed a long pattern of abuse rather than a single mistake or accounting error.
Jury Convicts Pastor on Multiple Federal Charges
The federal indictment contained 25 criminal counts against Sanders. These included wire fraud, access device fraud, and obstruction of a federal investigation after authorities began looking into the missing church funds.
Following the five-day trial, the jury found Sanders guilty on the charges presented by prosecutors. The conviction marked the end of a lengthy investigation led by federal authorities into the churches' finances.
The US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana said the evidence showed Sanders knowingly misused church resources for his own benefit. Sentencing will take place at a later date, where a federal judge will decide his punishment.
Congregation Was Asked To Pray After Indictment
Earlier this year, after the federal indictment became public, Sanders addressed members of his congregation. Reports said he asked church members to pray for him as the legal case moved forward.
Sanders is also known as a published Christian author. His conviction has brought renewed public attention to his ministry as well as his books and public speaking work.
Neither the verdict nor the court filings suggest that members of the congregation were involved in the financial crimes. The case focused entirely on Sanders' handling of church money while serving as pastor.
Case Raises Questions About Church Financial Controls
The conviction has also renewed discussion about financial accountability within churches and other non-profit organisations. Experts have long said that regular audits, independent financial reviews, and shared control over bank accounts can help prevent fraud.
Many churches depend on donations from members who trust that their money will support ministry work, community programmes, and charitable efforts. Cases involving misuse of funds can damage that trust for years.
While incidents like this remain uncommon, legal experts say they highlight the need for stronger oversight and clear financial policies. They note that transparency is one of the most effective ways to protect both church leaders and congregations.
The case remains one of the larger church fraud prosecutions in Louisiana in recent years. Sanders now faces sentencing in federal court, where he could receive prison time, financial penalties, and an order to repay the stolen money.
