Tuesday, NCGOP chairman, Robin Hayes, was indicted on Federal charges of Lying to the FBI, Wednesday Hayes steps down from his duties.
“A federal criminal indictment unsealed today in the Western District of North Carolina charges the founder and Chairman of a multinational investment company, a company consultant and two North Carolina political figures with public corruption and bribery, for their alleged participation in a bribery scheme involving independent expenditure accounts and improper campaign contributions,” according to the press release.
“The indictment unsealed today outlines a brazen bribery scheme in which Greg Lindberg and his coconspirators allegedly offered hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions in exchange for official action that would benefit Lindberg’s business interests,” said Assistant Attorney General Benczkowski. “Bribery of public officials at any level of government undermines confidence in our political system. The Criminal Division will use all the tools at our disposal—including the assistance of law-abiding public officials—to relentlessly investigate and prosecute corruption wherever we find it.”
“Thanks to the voluntary reporting of the North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance, we have uncovered an alleged scheme to violate our federal public corruption laws,” said U.S. Attorney Murray. “Improper campaign contributions erode the public’s trust in our political institutions. We will work with our law enforcement partners to investigate allegations of public corruption, safeguard the integrity of the democratic process, and prosecute those who compromise it.”
“These men crossed the line from fundraising to felonies when they devised a plan to use their connections to a political party to attempt to influence the operations and policies of the North Carolina Department of Insurance,” said Special Agent in Charge Strong. “The FBI will root out any and all forms of public corruption. We remain committed to ensuring those who violate the public’s sacred trust are held accountable.”
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CAUSEY WAS THE TARGET
Mike Causey, the first Republican Insurance Commissioner in North Carolina history, won his seat in 2016. From court documents, conversations exposed that Causey was the target of a bribe scheme.
Full Inditement
Wednesday, the NCGOP responds.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FROM NCGOP TO IT’S MEMBERS:
Hayes Delegates Day-To-Day Operations Of NCGOP To Party Officers Per Rules
Raleigh, NC — Chairman Hayes today announced he has relinquished most of his day-to-day duties of managing the NCGOP to other constitutional officers.
“In the best interest of the party, I make this announcement today and will let our respected officers lead on a temporary basis until our regularly planned party elections this June,” said Hayes.
“After a long and distinguished career in public service at the local, state, and federal levels, Robin volunteered his time helping to support the Party and candidates for office in North Carolina. We look forward to a swift conclusion to this matter and clearing his name,” said Hayes’ attorney Kearns Davis. “Meanwhile Mr. Hayes, in accordance with NCGOP Rules, will allow others to lead while he heals from recent health setbacks.”
Under Article VI.B.4.a of the NCGOP State Plan of Organization, the Party’s governing bylaws, “the State Chairman may delegate authority to District Chairs to act on his behalf on any matter.” Chairman Hayes has appointed 11th District Chair Aubrey Woodard to assume the role of Acting Chair of the North Carolina Republican Party.
“The North Carolina Republican Party is governed by a strong set of rules and governing structure. While I empathize with Mr. Hayes and believe in him, this is the best move for the NCGOP during this brief time of transition,” said Mr. Woodard. “I look forward helping the NCGOP as we head into the State Convention.”
Hayes also announced that Finance Chair K.D. Kennedy and NCGOP Treasurer Jason Lemons would assume expanded roles in the day to day operation of the Party’s finances.
“The Republican party is not about one person,” stated Kennedy. “It is a shared set of principals and ideals. I have invested in those principals in the past and will continue to do so in the future. I am more than willing to fill in during this short time reassuring our investors that the NCGOP is fully operational and well positioned to fulfill its mission.”
National Committeewoman Dr. Ada Fisher offered support for Mr. Hayes’ decision and him personally. “Robin Hayes has to my knowledge always reflected the best interest of my state, the Republican Party, and other good works without a hint of impropriety. This country and my Party have been founded on the principle of the rule of law with our firm belief that people are innocent until proven guilty. I support Mr. Hayes in this move
