Cori Bush’s husband, Cortney Merritts, charged with pandemic loan fraud

The U.S. Department of Justice indicted Cortney Merritts, the husband of former Rep. Cori Bush, on two counts of wire fraud related to pandemic loan fraud exceeding $20,000. Merritts reportedly submitted fraudulent loan applications to the Small Business Administration, falsely stating that he had multiple employees and substantial revenue from his businesses, which he did not possess.

He received an $8,500 Economic Injury Disaster Loan and a $20,832 Paycheck Protection Program loan. He allegedly used it for personal benefit without repaying the funds.

The DOJ has not accused Bush, D-Mo., of wrongdoing in her husband’s indictment despite the ongoing investigation into her campaign’s finances.