A California-based Catholic bishop allegedly took more than a dozen trips to a Mexican brothel known for human trafficking and misused parish funds, a sensational new report reveals.
Bishop Emanuel Shaleta of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of San Diego offered his resignation following allegations detailed in areport by the Catholic news outlet The Pillar. His resignation had not been formally accepted by the Vatican.
A private investigator documented Shaleta using a shuttle “exclusive to the club’s patrons” to visit the Hong Kong Gentlemen’s Club in Tijuana just across the Mexican border, The Pillar reported.
The Hong Kong Gentlemen’s Club operates in Tijuana’s Zona Norte red-light district, an area that has long been scrutinized by law enforcement and anti-trafficking organizations.
Independent investigativereporting and academic research on the regionhave documented patterns of coercion, organized criminal involvement and the exploitation of vulnerable women and minors within parts of the city’s commercial sex trade.
While there is no public allegation that Shaleta was involved in trafficking activity, prior reporting has identifiedthe club by name in broader examinationsof sex-industry operations in Tijuana.
The allegations stem from a private investigator’s report that was submitted to Vatican authorities.
The report also alleges that Shaleta shared a personal bank account with a woman identified as a former parish secretary. According to the outlet, the account held more than $40,000.
The woman and her children allegedly moved with Shaleta from Michigan to Toronto and later to San Diego, according to the report.
The investigator further alleged that Shaleta had “unfettered access” to the woman’s home and spent time alone with her children.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
