Former Inspector to Request Lighter Sentence November 3
Adebanjo Popoola seeks a two-year sentence after pleading guilty to a fraud scheme that diverted millions in city funds.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Former St. Louis building inspector Adebanjo Popoola will face sentencing on November 3, 2026, following his guilty plea for defrauding the city. He is currently asking the court for a two-year sentence for his role in steering public funds into personal accounts.
Why it matters
The fraud scheme led to a U.S. Treasury audit that may force the city to repay significant federal ARPA funds. St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer has officially alerted the court to the broader financial impact of these crimes on the city.
Adebanjo Popoola steered more than $4 million in city funds to companies he controlled, personally profiting by $1.6 million. The court must now weigh his two-year request against a potential maximum prison sentence of 60 years.
The players
Adebanjo Popoola
He is a former St. Louis building inspector who pleaded guilty to defrauding taxpayers.
Cara Spencer
She is the Mayor of St. Louis who submitted a letter to the court regarding the impact of the fraud on city resources.
U.S. Treasury
It is the federal department conducting an audit of city funds to determine if ARPA money must be returned.
The details
Popoola directed city program funds toward companies created by himself and his family members, using the money to cover mortgage payments, vehicles, gambling, and a wedding in Hawaii. Prosecutors contend that Popoola served as the primary organizer of the criminal activity.
Timeline
Investigation into connections to city contractors began in 2024.
Adebanjo Popoola pleaded guilty to fraud in June 2026.
Adebanjo Popoola is scheduled to be sentenced on November 3, 2026.
Legal Context
The criminal activity has triggered an audit that could necessitate the repayment of funds distributed under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This case follows a pattern of local oversight investigations where misuse of municipal funds triggers federal clawback provisions.
The potential loss of millions in federal ARPA funds could impact city budgetary resources and local programs. Residents should monitor future city council updates regarding the audit results and the status of these federal grants.
The takeaway
The sentencing highlights the severe long-term consequences for municipalities when internal controls fail to prevent fraud. Taxpayers can track the ongoing U.S. Treasury audit to see if city projects will face budget cuts as a result of the recovered funds.
What happens next
Adebanjo Popoola is scheduled for sentencing on November 3, 2026. The city awaits the results of the U.S. Treasury audit regarding the potential repayment of federal funds.
Further reading
For more background on local investigations, read the latest updates in Financial Crime.
More information
To review the official court records, you can Read Mayor Cara Spencer's letter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Firstalert4.
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