Overview
- Diehl, a 60-year-old St. Louis attorney, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to one count of wire fraud tied to SBA pandemic relief.
- He admitted using loan proceeds for personal expenses including vehicle payments, credit cards, a home mortgage, a family member’s tuition, pool maintenance and country club fees.
- According to his admissions, he received a $1,000 advance in April 2020, $93,900 in June 2020 and $285,000 more through a 2022 loan modification, totaling $379,900.
- He also transferred $50,039.55 to his law firm’s retirement plan where he was the sole participant, and his lawyer says the funds have been repaid.
- The FBI investigated the case; he faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and his plea comes after prior controversies including a 2015 resignation and a 2023 state ethics fine.