KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Interim Jackson County Executive has been indicted by a federal grand jury for engaging in a bribery scheme related to the 2026 election for Jackson County Executive, according to the United State's Attorney
Click here to read the complete indictment
Philip LeVota, 61, was charged in a five-count sealed indictment on July 16, 2026, by a federal grand jury sitting in Kansas City, Mo. The indictment was unsealed today upon LeVota’s initial court appearance. LeVota is charged with honest services fraud, federal program bribery, Travel Act violations, and making a false statement to federal law enforcement agents.
As alleged in the indictment, from March 16, 2026, to March 31, 2026, LeVota took multiple actions aimed at inducing a specific candidate to abandon the 2026 election for Jackson County Executive. As part of the scheme, LeVota entered into an agreement for the candidate to abandon the election in exchange for the candidate and a colleague of the candidate receiving full-time positions in the government of Jackson County. When approached by federal law enforcement agents on April 6, 2026, LeVota made false statements related to the agreement.
“The allegations contained in the indictment are incredibly serious and should send a clear warning to any officeholders who violate their oath. My office will aggressively pursue all allegations of public corruption and will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to hold wrongdoers accountable. Bottom line, the citizens in the Western District deserve to have faith in their public officials, whether elected or appointed.” said United States Attorney Matthew Price.
“The citizens of Jackson County deserve honesty, transparency, accountability, and integrity from those entrusted with public office. Today’s indictment announcement alleges serious breaches of those principles and represents a significant moment for our community.” said Chris Ormeord, FBI Kansas City- Special Agent in Charge. “Public trust is the foundation of an effective government. Citizens must have confidence that public officials will uphold the law and serve the public interest above all else.”
The charges contained in the indictment are simply accusations and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsels Patrick D. Daly and Nicholas P. Heberle and Assistant United States Attorney J. Benton Hurst. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.