The Evening Whirl: St. Louis’ Crime Chime – Weekly Whirlwind of Woes: Unpacking PPP Loan Fraud Allegations in St. Louis
Down in St. Louis, where the river winds slow,
A story’s unfolding, putting on a show.
It’s about Cortney Merritts, a name in the news,
Facing the music, paying his dues.
Married to power, a political name,
Now caught in a different kind of game.
The courthouse is open, the story is told,
Of a plan that was clever, a story so bold.
When sickness was spreading and fear was in sight,
The government offered a glimmer of light.
Money for businesses, to help them get by,
But some saw a chance to reach for the sky.
Vetted Couriers, the business he claimed,
Needed a boost, so he wasn’t ashamed.
Filled out the papers, not once, but then twice,
Hoping to roll a real lucky dice.
Twenty-five grand, a significant sum,
From a program where help was to come.
This wasn’t just hustling, this wasn’t a play,
This was PPP loan fraud, at the end of the day.
The jury sits listenin’, with a serious face,
To tales of the pandemic, and a fall from grace.
It’s a chapter in the book of COVID-19 frauds,
Where good intentions met cynical nods.
From the city streets to the halls of the court,
A lesson is learned, of a valuable sort.
The truth has a way of coming around,
On St. Louis soil, on that sacred ground.
Why The St. Louis Evening Whirl Matters
For decades, The Evening Whirl has served as St. Louis’ dedicated community watchdog, providing unfiltered coverage of local crime through its St. Louis Crime Chime section. This vital resource empowers residents by alerting them to emerging threats and safety hot spots, encouraging vigilance and smarter decision-making. Beyond simple reporting, the publication fosters accountability by keeping arrests and legal proceedings in the public eye, ensuring transparency within the justice system while urging neighbors to look out for one another.
While the headlines often highlight difficult realities, they also serve as a resilient call to action for community leaders and citizens alike. By staying informed through reliable sources like The Evening Whirl and official police data, residents can move beyond fear and actively participate in prevention efforts. Ultimately, engaging with these narratives transforms awareness into tangible change, helping the community write a safer chapter for the city.
What You Can Do
- Get Mental Health resources help for you and your family
- For daily updates, check the SLMPD Crime and Investigations page.
- For anonymous tips to the St. Louis police, use the St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers Hotline at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477)
- The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for free and confidential support. We provide free & confidential support to people in crisis for any reason, 24 hours a day.
- StopBullying.gov: Offers resources and help lines, including options for youth and veterans (Dial 988 then press 1).
Stay tuned, stay safe, and remember: “If it’s crime you seek, we’ve got the streak!”
#PPPLoanFraud #COVID19Fraud #StLouisCrime
