Pastor Dale Sanders has been found guilty of misappropriating more than $340,000 from two Louisiana congregations. The conviction covers financial violations committed between 2020 and 2024.
Unauthorized Withdrawals and Personal Spending
Court records indicate that Sanders routinely accessed church credit cards and bank accounts to cover personal expenses. The funds were directed toward restaurant meals, stays at the Hard Rock hotel-casino in Florida, and gambling sessions at Mississippi gaming venues.FBI Inquiry and Document Verification
Following the launch of an FBI investigation, Sanders attempted to conceal the unauthorized withdrawals by submitting fabricated financial records. Investigators verified the discrepancies and confirmed the extent of the missing funds.The judge will deliver the final sentence on October 13. Sanders faces a maximum term of twenty years imprisonment alongside a potential fine of $250,000. The case underscores continued oversight of nonprofit financial management in the state.