Vatican Report Alleges California Bishop Visited Tijuana Brothel Linked to Human Trafficking

A 69-year-old California bishop is at the center of a scandal that has shaken the Catholic Church, according to a report alleging he repeatedly visited a notorious brothel in Tijuana, Mexico. Bishop Emanuel Shaleta, who led the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle of San Diego, is accused of making more than a dozen late-night trips to the Hong Kong Gentlemen's Club in a single month. The report, ordered by the Vatican, claims he was seen parking in a lot reserved for the club's patrons and boarding a shuttle exclusively for its visitors.

The Hong Kong Gentlemen's Club has long been a target of criticism. Human rights advocates describe it as a hub for human trafficking, where women and girls are allegedly forced into prostitution. The club's website boasts of 'hundreds of exotic women waiting every night,' accompanied by photos of scantily clad individuals and neon-lit beds. A free shuttle service, advertised on the club's site, picks up customers near the U.S.-Mexico border, making it easy for visitors to cross into Tijuana.

The investigation into Shaleta's alleged activities extends beyond his visits to the brothel. It also alleges he maintained an intimate relationship with an unidentified woman who served as his parish secretary in Michigan. According to the report, the two share a joint bank account that received regular deposits from Shaleta, totaling over $40,000 in 2025 alone. When Shaleta was transferred to Canada in 2015, the woman allegedly made frequent trips to Toronto, staying either at his house or a nearby hotel. After his 2017 appointment to San Diego, she moved there immediately.

The investigation claims Shaleta had 'unfettered access' to the woman's home and spent significant time with her children. It alleges he was seen taking the children to his home, a park, and buying them food. 'He has been observed and documented taking the children to his home, to a park, buying them food, playing with them at their home, allowing the children free reign in his car, and tossing them into the air,' the report states. Shaleta's behavior, it says, 'much like what a parent would do.'

In addition to these personal allegations, the report accuses Shaleta of financial misconduct. Investigators allege he embezzled at least $427,345 from parish accounts, using reimbursement checks he signed himself. The total amount of money allegedly taken could reach $1 million. The report highlights a specific instance where the parish leased its social hall for $34,000 monthly, but payments in November 2024 came from a different account meant for aiding the poor. Shaleta allegedly told the management firm to send him the full amount so he could distribute it directly to families in need.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Fraud Unit is now investigating Shaleta for financial mishandling, according to NBC7. The bishop allegedly sent a resignation letter to the Vatican last month, though he was seen at his church last week. During a Sunday service, Shaleta denied the allegations, stating, 'I have never in my priestly life or episcopal life abused any of the Church money.' He added, 'On the contrary, I have done my best to preserve and manage the donations of the Church properly.'

Shaleta also claimed the Vatican conducted the investigation without informing him. 'They did an investigation about me without even notifying me,' he said. The Daily Mail has reached out to the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle, the San Diego County Sheriff's office, and Shaleta's email addresses for comment, but has not yet received a response. The Vatican's Dicastery for Eastern Catholic Churches is reviewing the report, and the full scope of the allegations remains under scrutiny.