A federal jury has found a 56-year-old Louisiana pastor and author guilty on 25 counts of wire fraud, access device fraud, and obstruction of justice. Following a five-speed trial in New Orleans, Dale Sanders—who led both the Fifth African Baptist Church and the Second New Guide Missionary Baptist Church—was convicted of siphoning more than $340,000 from his congregations.
Federal prosecutors presented evidence demonstrating that between April 2020 and April 2024, Sanders systematically transferred church funds into private accounts and utilized church-issued debit cards for unauthorized personal enrichment. The stolen capital was heavily funneled into covering personal living costs, upscale dining, and mounting gambling losses, including expenditures at regional casinos and hotels.
Investigators additionally secured an obstruction conviction after proving Sanders submitted a falsified document to a grand jury subpoena in an effort to derail the federal probe.
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Prior to trial, Sanders used social media platforms to address his congregation, vehemently denying any criminal wrongdoing and instead urging followers to offer a “Matthew 5:44 prayer” directed at his “enemy”. Beyond his pastoral duties, Sanders is recognized locally as a community figure and the author of the motivational book Strut Your Stutter.
U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long has scheduled Sanders’ formal sentencing for October 13. He faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison, alongside substantial financial restitution and fines reaching $250,000.
