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Sticky Fingers?
On Friday, federal prosecutors brought serious charges against former Congresswoman Cori Bush’s husband, Cortney Merritts. They allege that Merritts defrauded the taxpayers of a substantial sum, $20,000, through the Paycheck Protection program.
The implications of such actions on the Paycheck Protection and Economic Injury Disaster Loan programs (PPP) are significant, akin to a long-term Ailment that keeps resurfacing.
When you get it, you’ve got it. And just when you think that you have shaken it, got rid of it, it comes back to you, usually in the form of an indictment and handcuff attached.
“Mr. Merritts intends to plead not guilty to the charges,” Merritts’ lawyer, Justin Gelfand of Margulis Gelfand DiRuzzo & Lambson, said in a statement. “As with any indictment, this is only the government’s version. We look forward to litigating this case in federal court in Washington, D.C.”
Celebrities And Cops Arrested For Stealing PPP Money
The allegations made against Cortney Meritts, a military veteran, is nothing new for well-know people. Hundreds have been charged and pled guilty and sentenced to jail. For many, during the COVID years, the temptation was too hard to resist. Hundreds took a bike of the poisoned apple.
In September 2021.” Maurice Fayne, who starred in Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, has been sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison for conspiracy and wire fraud related to a Ponzi scheme, for bank fraud, and making false statements to a financial institution pertaining to a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application.”
Maurice Fayne used the scammed money for a variety of reasons:
• $40,000 for past-due child support;
• $50,000 for restitution owed in a previous fraud case;
• $65,000 in cash withdrawals;
• $85,000 for custom-made jewelry;
• $136,000 to lease a Rolls-Royce;
• $230,000 to associates who helped him run a Ponzi scheme;
• $907,000 to start a new business in Arkansas.
On October 12, 2023, “Sheriff Gregory Tony announced the arrest of 15 employees on federal charges related to Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud.” As many as seventeen BSO staffers were arrested. The arrestees ranged from a SWAT team officer to a top-notch BSO Detective.
According to federal prosecutors, ‘Cortney Merritts, 46, of St. Louis, falsified details about his purported businesses to obtain loans from the Small Business Administration in 2020 and 2021.’ Former (D) Rep Cori was a member of a group known as the ‘Squad’, which was a group of progressive Democratic congresswomen who were known for their outspoken views and activism. The Squad consisted of Cori Bush, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley, Rashida Talib, and Ilhan Omar.
Former New York Rep. Jamaal Bowman, who got booted from Congress for criticizing the war in Gaza, was confused. He was surprised to see a male, Merritts, involved in a situation that was typically associated with the ‘Squad’, a group of progressive Democratic congresswomen.
The feds have a 97% conviction rate. Around 2% of federal criminal defendants go to trial. Most defendants who are criminally charged plead guilty for a reduced sentence.
“Think globally, but act locally.”
It is crucial to be forward-thinking but not a forward person. “Be kind to everyone you meet because each carries his heavy burden…” Plato.
Embrace the three Constants: Change, Justice, and Rightness.
The thought police are busy at work trying to suppress free speech. If allowed their march to madness, they will arrest your very thoughts.
Free ‘Speech is thy Lord.’
