Fox News Reporter Uncovers New Details in Cori Bush’s Private Security Probe

In a recent development, Fox News reporter Joe Schoffstall has uncovered new information regarding the ongoing investigation into Rep. Cori Bush’s campaign spending on private security. According to the latest filings submitted to the Federal Election Commission, Bush’s campaign paid her husband, Cortney Merritts, an additional $17,500 for “wage expenses” between October 1 and December 31, 2023. This brings the total amount paid to Merritts to $120,000 since early 2022.

Despite the ongoing investigation, Bush’s campaign has continued to spend significantly more on private security services from St. Louis-based companies such as PEACE Security. The campaign has spent over $770,000 on such services. However, Merritts, who initially gathered money for security services starting in January 2022, did not have a private security license as of late February 2023. He also did not appear in a Washington, D.C., database of licensed security specialists.

The ordeal triggered at least two complaints from watchdog groups, the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust and the Committee to Defeat the President. The first complaint, filed to the FEC in March 2023, is still pending. The ethics committee has since cleared Bush in a second complaint from the Committee to Defeat the President.

Despite numerous inquiries from Fox News Digital, Bush’s campaign did not respond to any of them regarding the payments to Merritts. However, during an exchange with a videographer outside a D.C. fundraiser for California Democrat candidate Derek Marshall, Merritts appeared to backtrack about his role on the campaign. He initially told the videographer he did not have a role in the campaign but later admitted that he still worked for it and provided security services.

The Justice Department is currently probing Bush’s campaign expenditures on private security, and Bush confirmed the investigation in a Tuesday statement. She claimed that she has endured relentless threats to her physical safety and life and used campaign funds to retain security services. However, the ongoing investigations have resulted in a number of complaints and raised questions about the legitimacy of the payments to Merritts.

Bush’s campaign did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Joe Schoffstall is a politics producer/reporter for Fox News Digital. He can be reached at Joe.Schoffstall@Fox.com and on Twitter: @joeschoffstall.

This investigation sheds light on the complex web of campaign financing and the potential for misuse of funds. It also highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in political spending. As the investigation continues, more details are likely to emerge, and the public will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds.

In conclusion, the ongoing investigation into Rep. Cori Bush’s campaign spending on private security has uncovered new details regarding payments to her husband, Cortney Merritts. Despite the ongoing investigation, Bush’s campaign has continued to spend significantly more on private security services from St. Louis-based companies. The lack of transparency and accountability in political spending raises concerns and highlights the need for greater oversight and regulation. As the investigation continues, it is important to stay informed and to hold our elected officials accountable for their actions.