A bishop from California has reportedly visited a Mexican brothel associated with human trafficking and claims of mishandled diocesan funds over a dozen times, as uncovered in a new report.
Bishop Emanuel Chareta, who heads the Chaldean Catholic Diocese of San Diego, has offered his resignation following these allegations, which were highlighted by “The Pillar,” a Catholic news outlet. However, the Vatican has yet to formally accept his resignation.
A private investigator documented Chareta’s visits to a gentlemen’s club in Tijuana known as the Hong Kong Gentlemen’s Club, using a shuttle designated for club patrons. This establishment is located in Tijuana’s notorious Zona Norte red-light district, an area consistently scrutinized by law enforcement and anti-trafficking organizations.
Investigative work into the area shows troubling patterns of coercion and exploitation, particularly involving vulnerable women and minors in the local sex industry.
While there have been no direct allegations linking Chareta to human trafficking, previous investigations have cast a broad net over the operations of the sex trade in Tijuana, indicating potential criminal control over these establishments.
The concerns arose from a report submitted by the private investigator to the Vatican. This report also claims that Chareta shared a bank account with a former parish clerk, which allegedly held over $40,000. Interestingly, this woman, along with her children, moved around with Chareta from Michigan to Toronto and then San Diego.
There are claims that Chareta had unrestricted access to the former clerk’s residence and spent unsupervised time with her children.
No allegations of abuse towards minors have surfaced publicly against Chareta.
The case has sparked serious discussions within church circles, with both local law enforcement and Vatican authorities examining different facets of the situation. So far, no criminal charges have been filed in relation to the documented visits.
Chareta has not made any public comments regarding the allegations surrounding his visits to the Tijuana club.
The report from “The Pillar” also touches on alleged financial misconduct concerning diocesan funds. Executives in the financial council of the Chaldean Cathedral of St. Peter in El Cajon raised alarms after discovering irregularities related to rent payments tied to a parish-owned social hall. Reportedly, Chareta received around $33,990 a month in cash for about eight months.
It was also said that the diocese was “reimbursed” for these payments using a check from a charitable aid fund aimed at helping the less fortunate, with the bishop himself signing off on the reimbursements.
Additionally, the report indicates that around $30,000 in cash linked to a religious donation fund was similarly reimbursed through the same charitable account. Under questioning, Chareta allegedly claimed this money had been given to those in need, both domestically and internationally, though investigators noted the absence of supporting documentation.
“The Pillar” estimates that at least $427,000 in parish funds may have been misappropriated, casting doubt on transactions approaching the million-dollar mark. However, these figures have not been verified by law enforcement.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department is currently investigating these financial allegations against the Chaldean Parish executives. As of now, no criminal charges have been made, and Chareta has not publicly commented on the financial irregularities.
Cardinal Louis Raphael Saco, based in Iraq and the patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, has reportedly opposed attempts to compel Chareta’s resignation and sought to defend his position. He has been exploring options to reposition Chareta within the church while attempting to garner support for him in Rome.
Saco mentioned he would ultimately respect the decisions of the Holy See, although he disputes claims of improper interference.
Efforts to reach Chareta, the Holy See, Saco, and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office for comments on the developments have been made.
