Former Missouri House Speaker Pleads Guilty to $380K Pandemic Loan Fraud

John Diehl, former Missouri House Speaker, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud for misusing nearly $380,000 in COVID-19 pandemic relief loans intended for his law firm. Instead of using the funds for business purposes, Diehl spent the money on personal expenses such as luxury car payments, mortgage bills, country club dues, credit cards, and college tuition. The fraud scheme spanned from March 2020 to February 2024, and Diehl has already paid restitution to the federal government. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, with sentencing scheduled for December 19, though prosecutors and defense attorneys recommend about a two-year prison term. Diehl resigned as House Speaker in 2015 following a scandal involving sexually explicit texts with an intern, and his campaign was also fined for ethics violations. He was released on bond and must surrender his passport pending sentencing.