A federal jury on July 17 convicted 56-year-old Dale Sanders Sr. of stealing from the two Louisiana churches he pastors, finding him guilty on 25 counts, including wire fraud, access-device fraud and obstruction of a federal investigation.
Dale Sanders Sr. / Video screenshot via Facebook
In May, MinistryWatch reported on an earlier 11-count indictment. A superseding indictment filed June 26 expanded the case to 28 counts, including 16 counts of wire fraud, 11 counts of access-device fraud, and one obstruction count for falsifying a record.
Sanders pastored both the Fifth African Baptist Church of New Orleans, and the Second New Guide Missionary Baptist Church of Metairie, Louisiana.
Prosecutors alleged that, from approximately February 2019 through April 24, 2026, Sanders diverted money from two churches, transferred church funds into accounts he controlled, and used a church debit card for personal expenses, including gambling, dining, and living costs. The government sought forfeiture of $343,293.
While the jury found Sanders guilty on most charges, it did find Sanders not guilty on Count 11, a wire-fraud charge tied to an alleged $1,000 ATM withdrawal in April, 2023.
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In a Facebook video posted in April, Sanders denied stealing from the church and said that financial problems predated his arrival at Second New Guide Missionary Baptist Church by 13 years. He claimed the church cut his pay by $2,000 per month and failed to pay him a salary for four years, causing personal financial strain. Sanders also alleged that he had protected an unnamed church member whose misconduct he had “covered,” and that the same person later accused him of malfeasance.
“I don’t steal,” Sanders said, insisting he had not taken money from any church he pastored.
According to Fifth African Baptist Church’s Facebook page, Sanders’ son, Dale “DJ” Sanders II, serves as associate pastor and regularly leads the church’s prayer videos. Most recently, the church announced seven days of prayer and fasting beginning Sunday, July 26. “We know many have walked through difficult seasons, but we believe God is still moving,” a post sharing the event said. “May these seven days strengthen our faith, deepen our relationship with Him, and remind us that He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we ask or think.”
MinistryWatch contacted both churches through their Facebook pages to ask how their congregations are moving forward. Neither church had responded by publication time.
Sanders Sr. now faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for October 13, 2026.
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