⏱ 3 min read
Dale Sanders, a 56-year-old pastor from Kenner, Louisiana, was convicted of running a years-long scam that netted him over $340,000 from two churches in the New Orleans area. Between 2015 and 2020, Sanders used his position to defraud Church A and Church B, using their funds for personal expenses, including gambling, dining, and living costs. The scheme was uncovered during a federal investigation, which found that Sanders had made unauthorized transactions using Church A’s debit card and had falsified records to cover his tracks.
The trial, which lasted five days, ended on July 17, 2026, with a jury convicting Sanders on 25 counts of wire fraud, access device fraud, and obstruction of a federal investigation. The evidence presented at trial showed that Sanders had used Church A’s bank accounts to fund his personal lifestyle, transferring money to accounts under his control and using the church’s debit card for cash, goods, and services.
Sanders’ conviction is a significant blow to his reputation and freedom, as he now faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and restitution for the $340,000 he stole. His sentencing is scheduled for October 13, 2026. The case was investigated by the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn McHugh and Tracey Knight of the Financial Crimes Unit.
The conviction of Dale Sanders serves as a reminder that those in positions of trust will be held accountable for their actions, and that the federal government will pursue justice for victims of financial crimes. As the case moves forward to sentencing, the community will be watching to see that justice is served.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Louisiana
- Location: LA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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