Michael Diebold is a former Police chief for the city of Leechburg who was arrested during a sting operation after he was caught soliciting sex with a minor. ^[2]During his time as a chief, he lost his arm while lighting fireworks mortars. ^[8]

Diebold was born and raised in the state of Pennsylvania. He grew up most of his life in the city of Leechburg. Before his arrest, he was living with his wife. He also has a step-daughter in her early 20s and a son who's a toddler. ^{[0] [2]}

On July 11th, 2017, Diebold and his fiancee, Danielle Reinke, tied the knot.

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Diebold has been the Chief of Police for the Police department of Leechburg for the last several years up until he was arrest. ^{[2] [4]}

On June 24th, 2017, Diebold was handling fireworks at the Fireman's Carnival when one misfired and struck his arm.

During the explosion, Diebold's arm was blown off.

The mayor of Leechburg, who is a friend of Diebold's, helped him get the chief escorted to a safe place.

According to Diebold, he told the mayor as he bled profusely, to take care of his son.

Officer Diebold thought he was going to die.

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He was taken to UPMC Mercy, Uptown.

A prayer vigil for Chief Diebold was held Sunday night of that week.

^[8]

On Friday, January 5th, 2017, while parked at a Sheetz in Lower Burrell, Diebold was arrested during a sting operation. He was taken into custody at the meeting site without incident by agents of the Attorney General's Child Predator Section. ^[6]

According to the police, Diebold was expecting a meeting with an underage girl of 14 years old, for sex.

The girl was actually an undercover state agent who posed a minor online.

^[1]

The state Attorney General’s Office is charging Chief Michael Diebold with unlawful contact with a minor and criminal attempt to commit involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, both are first-degree felonies.

^[1]