By Friday Temitope Eugenia
National News – A United States pastor, Dale Sanders, has been convicted of stealing more than $340,000 from two churches in Louisiana and using the funds to finance gambling and other personal expenses.
Sanders, 56, was found guilty by a federal jury on 25 counts, including wire fraud, access device fraud and obstruction of a federal investigation, following a five-day trial before U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Sanders fraudulently diverted money from two churches by transferring funds from church bank accounts into accounts under his control.
Prosecutors said the stolen money was spent on gambling, dining, living expenses and other personal transactions.
The Justice Department also stated that Sanders made unauthorized use of one church’s debit card to obtain cash, goods and services valued at more than $340,000.
In addition to the fraud-related convictions, the jury found Sanders guilty of obstructing a federal investigation by submitting a falsified record in response to a grand jury subpoena.
Justice Brandon S. Long has fixed October 13, 2026, for sentencing.
If sentenced to the maximum penalty, Sanders faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the amount of the financial gain or loss, up to three years of supervised release after serving his prison term, and mandatory special assessment fees.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office credited the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Orleans Field Office for investigating the case, while Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn McHugh and Tracey Knight prosecuted the matter.
