Disclaimer
About this site
This site presents the case of Charles “Chase” Merritt, People v. Merritt, San Bernardino County Superior Court, Case No. FVI1404194, and the record behind it. Where a page speaks in the first person, it gives Mr. Merritt’s account, in his own words.
Where the facts come from
Every statement of fact on this site is tied to its source, and the source is shown or cited so that anyone can check it:
- RT: the Reporter’s Transcript of the trial and hearings, cited by page and line.
- Exhibits: trial exhibits, cited by exhibit number.
- Bates numbers: government reports and records produced in the case, cited by the page number stamped on them.
Where a page relies on something only Mr. Merritt can know, such as his own conversations or what he did, the page says so.
Fact and opinion
The facts on these pages are set out first, with their sources. Conclusions drawn from them, including words such as “fraud,” “collusion,” “trick” and “puppets,” are opinions: they are Mr. Merritt’s view of the facts shown on the same page. Readers are invited to read the record and reach their own conclusions.
The verdict
Mr. Merritt was convicted in 2019, and that judgment stands while his petition for a writ of habeas corpus is pending. This site sets out why he believes the case should be revisited.
Personal information
Trial exhibits are posted as they were admitted at trial, and say so. Elsewhere, private persons’ personal contact information appears only where it is part of the record being discussed. If you find personal information about yourself on this site that you believe should be removed, write to the address below and it will be reviewed promptly.
Corrections
If you believe anything on this site is inaccurate, write to the address below, naming the page and the source you rely on. Errors that are shown will be corrected.
Comments
Comments are the views of the people who post them. They are not pre-screened, and they do not speak for this site.
Not legal advice
This site is provided for public information and advocacy. Nothing on it is legal advice.