Federal prosecutors have charged Cortney Merritts—husband of former Missouri Congresswoman Cori Bush—with fraud related to COVID-19 relief funds. According to the Department of Justice, Merritts allegedly submitted false information to get around $20,000 through government programs meant to help small businesses during the pandemic.

Merritts, 46, from St. Louis, is facing two counts of wire fraud. Authorities say that in 2020 and 2021, he applied for loans through the Small Business Administration (SBA), but lied about the size, income, and activity of the business he claimed to own.

One application from July 2020 was reportedly denied because it closely mirrored an earlier submission. But prosecutors allege he continued trying to get funds through additional applications despite the red flag.

Legal Defense and Response

Merritts’ attorney, Justin Gelfand, says his client plans to fight the charges. “As with any indictment, this is only the government’s version of the story,” Gelfand stated. “Mr. Merritts looks forward to his day in court and intends to vigorously defend himself.”

Part of a Bigger Crackdown

The case is part of a broader nationwide effort to crack down on pandemic relief fraud. During the COVID-19 crisis, programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) were created to support small businesses. Unfortunately, many people abused the system—by exaggerating their income, creating fake employees, or inventing entirely bogus companies.

Federal prosecutors continue to investigate and file charges in these cases, stressing the importance of protecting public funds meant to help businesses in real need.