A Louisiana pastor known for his social media presence and motivational messaging has been convicted of defrauding his own congregations out of more than $340,000, using church funds to bankroll gambling, dining, and other personal expenses.
Dale Sanders, 56, of Kenner, was found guilty Friday, July 17, 2026, of a 25-count superseding indictment charging him with wire fraud, access device fraud, and obstruction of a federal investigation following a five-day jury 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.
According to evidence presented at trial, Sanders defrauded two congregations he led, Second New Guide Missionary Baptist Church in Metairie (identified as Church A) and Fifth African Baptist Church in New Orleans (Church B), by withdrawing funds and transferring money from church bank accounts into accounts he controlled.
He also used a church debit card for unauthorized personal transactions, pocketing cash, goods and services totaling over $340,000 that he had no right to.
The money bankrolled his casino gambling, hotel stays, meals and living expenses. The scheme stretched from around 2020 to 2024.
Prosecutors detailed specific transactions in the superseding indictment, including a $5,000 check from the New Orleans church, a $1,172 charge at a Hard Rock Hotel in Florida, $1,300 in charges at a Mississippi casino, and even a $226 veterinary bill in Kenner, among many others, according to NOLA.com.
Sanders was also convicted of obstructing the federal investigation by providing a falsified record in response to a grand jury subpoena.
Hellbound and Down 