A Louisiana pastor has been convicted of stealing more than $340,000 from two churches to finance gambling and cover personal expenses, according to the United States Department of Justice.

Dale Sanders, 56, was found guilty on 25 counts, including wire fraud, access device fraud and obstruction of a federal investigation, following a five-day trial before U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long.

The conviction was announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana in a statement released on Thursday and published on the U.S. Department of Justice website.

Funds Allegedly Diverted for Personal Use

Federal prosecutors said Sanders carried out a scheme to defraud two churches, identified in court documents as Church A and Church B, by using false representations to obtain money and property.

According to the statement, Sanders transferred money from Church A’s bank accounts into accounts under his control and spent the funds on personal expenses.

“SANDERS would withdraw funds and transfer money held in Church A’s bank accounts to accounts controlled by SANDERS. The money was used to fund his personal expenditures, to include gambling, dining, and living expenses,” the statement said.

Prosecutors further alleged that Sanders improperly used Church A’s debit card to make unauthorised purchases.

“SANDERS utilized Church A’s debit card for unauthorized personal transactions and received cash, goods and services totaling over $340,000 that he was not entitled to,” the statement added.

Convicted of Obstructing Federal Investigation

In addition to the fraud charges, the jury also found Sanders guilty of obstructing a federal investigation.

According to prosecutors, the conviction stemmed from his submission of a falsified document in response to a federal grand jury subpoena.

“SANDERS was also found guilty of obstruction of a federal investigation for providing a falsified record in response to a grand jury subpoena,” the statement said.

Sentencing Fixed for October

Judge Brandon S. Long has scheduled Sanders’ sentencing for October 13, 2026.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Sanders faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain or twice the gross loss, whichever is greater, as well as up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment.

He could also be ordered to pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee for each count of conviction.

FBI, Federal Prosecutors Led Investigation

The U.S. Attorney, David I. Courcelle, commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Orleans Field Officefor its role in investigating the case.

The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn McHugh and Tracey Knight of the Financial Crimes Unit.