Former Missouri House Speaker John Diehl of Town and Country waived his indictment and is pleading guilty to one count of felony wire fraud.
According to federal prosecutors, Diehl took out an Economic Injury Disaster Loan or EIDL loan from the Small Business Administration and the CARES Act for $379,000 during COVID.
The money was intended to be spent on his business, Diehl Law, but was instead spent on a number of personal expenses. Those include Audis, Jeeps, Teslas, mortgage payments, country club fees, credit cards, college tuition for a family member and more. He has already paid restitution to the federal government.
As part of his plea deal, federal prosecutors will not pursue further charges related to this fraud.
Diehl is released on bond. He is due back in court on December 19th for his sentencing. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
After the hearing, prosecutor Hal Goldsmith declined to comment, citing DOJ police to not talk to press on 9/11. Diehls attorney also declined to comment until sentencing.