St. Charles man charged after online threats against Missouri governor, family
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — A St. Charles man has been arrested and charged in connection with threatening online statements directed at Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe and members of his family, authorities said.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol said its Division of Drug and Crime Control began investigating after being notified Dec. 16, 2025, of threatening and harassing statements posted online. Investigators identified multiple Facebook posts made between Dec. 1 and Dec. 18 under the profile name “Danny Mertz.”
Working with the Missouri Information and Analysis Center, investigators identified Daniel N. Mertz, 42, of St. Charles, as the owner of the account and developed probable cause linking him to the posts.
On Dec. 19, Cole County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Mertz with first-degree stalking and first-degree harassment, both Class E felonies.
After a nationwide arrest warrant was issued, officers with Operation Relentless Pursuit coordinated with the Daytona Beach Police Department to locate Mertz. He was arrested without incident in Daytona Beach, Florida, at about 5 p.m. CST on Dec. 19. Authorities said Mertz was in possession of a loaded firearm at the time of his arrest.
Mertz is being held without bond in the Volusia County Jail. Missouri authorities have initiated extradition proceedings, and he is expected to be returned to Missouri for arraignment.
Authorities emphasized that the charges are accusations and do not constitute evidence of guilt. Guilt or innocence will be determined by a court of law.
