A Louisiana pastor has been found guilty of stealing more than $340,000 from two churches by diverting church funds into his personal accounts and using the money to pay for gambling, dining and other personal expenses.

Dale Sanders, 56, was convicted after a five-day jury trial on a 25-count federal indictment involving wire fraud, access device fraud and obstruction of a federal investigation.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Sanders transferred church funds into his personal bank accounts and used a church-issued debit card for unauthorised personal spending.

Investigators said the fraud took place between April 2020 and April 2024 while Sanders served as pastor of Fifth African Baptist Church in New Orleans and Second New Guide Missionary Baptist Church in Metairie.

Prosecutors told the court that Sanders unlawfully received cash, goods and services worth more than $340,000 by withdrawing money from church accounts and spending it on his personal lifestyle, including gambling and restaurant bills.

Authorities also said Sanders tried to obstruct the federal investigation by submitting a falsified document in response to a grand jury subpoena.

Although criminal charges were filed against him in April, Sanders later addressed his congregation in a social media video, asking members to pray for those he described as his enemies.

In the video, he thanked church members for their support and prayers, saying he could feel their encouragement during the difficult period.

He also asked them to pray for those opposing him, quoting Matthew 5:44 and insisting that God would deal with his enemies.

Apart from his pastoral work, Sanders regularly shared sermons and worship videos online. He is also the author of Strut Your Stutter, a book that encourages readers to embrace themselves despite their imperfections.

Following his conviction, Sanders faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release after serving his sentence, and other statutory penalties, including mandatory assessments.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13. (Nigerian Tribune, excluding headline)