St. Charles, MO, Man Arrested/Charged In Connection With Threatening Online Statements Directed At Missouri Governor

On December 16, 2025, the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) was notified of threatening and harassing statements posted online and directed toward Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe and members of his family. DDCC investigators identified several threatening Facebook posts under a profile name of “Danny Mertz.” The social media comments were posted between December 1, 2025, and December 18, 2025.
 Following an investigation, DDCC investigators, working in coordination with the Missouri Information and Analysis Center (MIAC), identified Daniel N. Mertz, 42, of St. Charles, MO, as the owner of the social media account. Through investigative leads and analysis, investigators developed probable cause linking Mertz to the threatening online posts. 
 On December 19, 2025, Cole County Prosecuting Attorney Locke Thompson formally charged Mertz with one count of Stalking, first-degree, and one count of Harassment, first degree. Both charges are class E felonies. 
 Also on December 19, 2025, after a nation-wide arrest warrant was issued, Operation Relentless Pursuit (ORP) officers coordinated with the Daytona Beach Police Department to locate Mertz. He was located in Daytona Beach, FL, at approximately 5 p.m. CST, and taken into custody by Florida authorities without incident. At the time of his arrest, Mertz was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm. 
 Mertz is currently being held in the Volusia County Jail (FL) without bond. Missouri authorities have initiated the extradition process, and Mertz will be transported back to Missouri for arraignment proceedings.
 The above charges for which the above individual was arrested is a mere accusation and not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.