In a recent development, Cortney Merritts, husband of the former Missouri representative Cori Bush, has been charged with wire fraud.
Cortney Merritts allegedly falsified loan applications to acquire over $20,000 intended for COVID relief, benefiting personally, while Cori Bush faces separate scrutiny for campaign payments to him, New York Post reported.
Cortney Merritts, associated with the moving business Vetted Couriers, finds himself at the center of allegations involving fraudulent loans. The charges were filed by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia, focusing on alleged wire fraud actions. Specifically, Merritts is accused of submitting false applications to the Small Business Administration (SBA) during the pandemic years.
In 2020, prosecutors say, Merritts requested an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) under false pretenses. He claimed that his business had six employees generating $32,000 in gross revenue. This application reportedly secured him $8,500.
Building on earlier claims, Merritts filed another application with the SBA. This time, he was reportedly detailing a separate entity, "Courtney Merritts," claiming ten employees and $53,000 in annual revenue. The SBA ultimately denied his second application, noting similar documentation to a previous submission.
Allegations did not stop there. Merritts is alleged to have applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan in April 2021, indicating significant business income. According to the government, his claimed $128,000 gross income for 2020 resulted in Merritts obtaining a $20,832 PPP loan.
Federal prosecutors are firm in their claims that the funds from these loans were inappropriately used. They assert that Merritts "used the proceeds for his personal benefit and enjoyment."
Merritts used the proceeds for his personal benefit and enjoyment. Based on Merritts’ alleged fraudulent representations, the SBA forgave the PPP loan in the amount of $20,832 and the $254.03 in interest.
The DC US Attorney’s Office highlighted the SBA's forgiveness of the PPP loan, emphasizing the alleged deceit. Distancing himself from the accusations, Merritts plans to plead not guilty. His attorney, Justin Gelfand, expressed confidence, saying, “We look forward to litigating this case in the courtroom.”
The situation is potentially complicated by the association with Cori Bush. Although she is not directly implicated in these charges, her campaign's relationship with Merritts has led to separate investigations. Reports surfaced over a Federal Election Commission and congressional ethics complaint regarding payments made to Merritts for his services in 2022.
Bush reportedly paid Merritts $60,000 for security services lacking necessary licensure. Her campaign simultaneously invested in additional security measures, while the Justice Department is said to be probing further. Notably, Cori Bush, who exited her congressional role following the 2024 elections, now deals with the consequences surrounding campaign practices examined critically.
These recent charges cast a wide net, primarily affecting Cortney Merritts but raising broader inquiries into Cori Bush’s political and financial activities. While hostility remains minimal, continued attention to Merritts' case highlights potential ethical considerations.
As the courtroom proceedings progress, clarity may develop regarding the depth of Merritts' involvement and any potential ramifications for his and Bush's reputations. Attention will also focus on whether or how this impacts Bush's ongoing Justice Department inquiry.
In summary, Cortney Merritts faces severe legal challenges with accusations of fraudulent practices related to COVID relief loans. Meanwhile, his connection to Cori Bush extends questions about financial and ethical obligations for both in political arenas.
