Staccato Powell, a former bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, has pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud, mail fraud, and conspiracy related to a scheme involving church properties in California. Powell admitted to using false statements and forged documents to gain control over these properties through an entity he formed called Western Episcopal District, Inc. (WED, Inc.).
Powell’s co-defendant, Sheila Quintana, had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges in April 2025. Together they were involved in securing loans using church properties as collateral without the authorization of congregations.
In one instance, Powell used Kyles Temple in Vallejo as collateral for a $1.5 million residence purchase. Similarly, First AME Zion Church in San Jose was used for unauthorized loans totaling $3.75 million. Other churches involved included Greater Cooper AME Zion Church in Oakland and University AME Zion Church of Palo Alto.
Powell also directed WED, Inc. to borrow millions more using other church properties as collateral and diverted some funds for personal use.
The case was announced by United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent Sanjay Virmani. Powell is out on bond awaiting sentencing on September 23, 2025.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan U. Lee is leading the prosecution with support from Kathy Tat, Helen Yee, and Yenni Weinberg following an FBI investigation.
