Former Missouri House Speaker Sentenced for COVID Loan Fraud

John Diehl misused $379,900 in pandemic relief funds for personal expenses

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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John Diehl, a former speaker of the Missouri House, has been sentenced to nearly two years in federal prison for fraudulently obtaining $379,900 in COVID-19 relief funds and using the money for personal expenses such as country club dues, swimming pool maintenance, his home mortgage, and vehicle payments.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of fraud and misuse of government pandemic relief funds, which were intended to support small businesses struggling during the COVID-19 shutdowns. Diehl's abuse of the system for his own personal gain undermines public trust and diverts critical resources away from those truly in need.

The details

Diehl admitted in a plea agreement that he falsely claimed the money was needed to keep his St. Louis law firm afloat, when in reality he used more than half of it to fund his own defined benefit plan, of which he was the sole participant. He also used the funds to pay off a civil settlement related to his time as House speaker and cover various personal expenses.

  • Diehl resigned as House speaker in 2015 after the Kansas City Star revealed sexually charged text messages between him and a college freshman interning at the Capitol.
  • Diehl was fined nearly $50,000 in 2015 for misusing campaign funds.
  • Diehl was sentenced on Monday, March 10, 2026.

The players

John Diehl

A former speaker of the Missouri House who was sentenced to nearly two years in federal prison for fraudulently obtaining and misusing $379,900 in COVID-19 relief funds.

John Rogers

Diehl's defense attorney, who pushed for probation instead of prison time, noting that Diehl had paid full restitution before being charged and has significant community and family support.

Sarah Pitlyk

The judge who imposed a sentence at the low end of the range and a $50,000 fine to help cover the cost of Diehl's incarceration.

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What they’re saying

“I can guarantee you he will not be back.”

— John Rogers, Diehl's defense attorney

“I am deeply ashamed of my actions.”

— John Diehl

What’s next

Diehl will report to federal prison at a date still to be set.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issue of fraud and misuse of government pandemic relief funds, which were intended to support small businesses struggling during the COVID-19 shutdowns. Diehl's abuse of the system for his own personal gain undermines public trust and diverts critical resources away from those truly in need.