US Pastor Convicted of Stealing $340,000 from Churches to Fund Gambling Habit

A Louisiana pastor and author has been convicted of stealing more than $340,000 from two churches where he served, using the money to finance gambling, dining and other personal expenses.

Dale Sanders, 56, was found guilty on a 25-count federal indictment after a five-day jury trial, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

The charges included wire fraud, access device fraud and obstruction of a federal investigation.

Federal prosecutors told the court that Sanders, a resident of Kenner, systematically diverted church funds for his personal benefit over a four-year period. Investigators said he withdrew money from one church’s bank accounts and transferred it into accounts under his control, using the funds to support an extravagant lifestyle that included gambling, restaurant bills and everyday living expenses.

Authorities also found that he used a church-issued debit card to make unauthorised purchases, obtaining cash, goods and services valued at more than $340,000.

According to his social media profiles, Sanders served as pastor of Fifth African Baptist Church in New Orleans and Second New Guide Missionary Baptist Church in Metairie. The fraudulent activities reportedly occurred between April 2020 and April 2024.

Prosecutors further alleged that during the federal investigation, Sanders attempted to obstruct justice by submitting a falsified document in response to a grand jury subpoena.

Despite the criminal charges, Sanders released a video on social media shortly after his indictment in April, urging members of his congregation to pray for both him and what he described as his “enemy”.

Beyond his pastoral duties, Sanders is also the author of Strut Your Stutter, a motivational book encouraging readers to embrace their uniqueness and be “peacock proud” of who they are.

He 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 any custodial sentence, and a mandatory special assessment of $100 on each count of conviction.

Sanders is scheduled to be sentenced on 13 October.