Dale Sanders, 56, pastor from Kenner, Louisiana, was convicted on July 17, 2026, of defrauding two churches of more than $340,000. The conviction followed a five‑day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long. Charges included wire fraud, access device fraud, and obstruction of a federal investigation.
Prosecutors alleged that Sanders withdrew and transferred money from the bank accounts of Second New Guide Missionary Baptist Church in Metairie and Fifth African Baptist Church in New Orleans into accounts he controlled. He also used a church debit card for unauthorized personal transactions, pocketing cash, goods and services that totaled over $340,000. The funds funded casino gambling, hotel stays, meals, and other living expenses.
The fraudulent activity spanned roughly from 2020 to 2024. The jury convicted him on 15 counts of wire fraud, 11 counts of access device fraud, and one count of impeding a federal investigation, while acquitting him on a single wire fraud count.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 13, 2026. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, up to three years of supervised release, and mandatory special assessment fees.
After the indictment, Sanders posted a video asking congregants to pray for his “enemy.” He claimed that their prayers would bring blessings and help him, urging them to recite a specific biblical passage.
