North Carolina political donor Greg Lindberg and his associate John Gray have been convicted for the second time of attempting to bribe the state’s insurance commissioner. The federal jury found them guilty of bribery and conspiracy charges. This conviction comes after a three-judge panel vacated their previous convictions in 2022 due to misleading instructions given to jurors during deliberations. Lindberg had been serving a seven-year sentence in Alabama but was released after the ruling. The retrial took place in federal court under the supervision of U.S. District Judge Max Cogburn, who also presided over the 2020 trial.
The scheme involved substantial campaign contributions to an elected official in exchange for favorable treatment for Lindberg’s insurance business. Lindberg had given millions to North Carolina candidates and party committees, with the aim of securing preferential regulatory treatment. Lindberg, Gray, and two others were indicted in 2019 for attempting to influence Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey’s actions by offering him $1.5 million for his election campaign. The fourth person indicted was acquitted at trial, while former U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes pleaded guilty to making false statements. Hayes cooperated with prosecutors and was later pardoned by President Donald Trump.
Causey, who was not accused of any wrongdoing, alerted authorities and recorded conversations that led to the indictments against Lindberg and Gray in 2019. During the 2020 trial, Lindberg’s defense argued that he was entrapped by Causey’s cooperation with authorities and maintained his innocence. Lindberg’s attorney expressed surprise at the guilty verdict and vowed to continue fighting the charges. Gray’s lawyer also stated that they believed their clients had acted in good faith and without criminal intent. Lindberg faced separate federal charges last year related to allegations of skimming money from his insurance companies and lying to regulators about it. This case has been delayed pending the outcome of the retrial.
The maximum penalty for Lindberg and Gray is 30 years in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. A sentencing date has not been set for the convicted individuals. The case highlights the consequences of attempting to influence government officials through bribery and corruption. It also sheds light on the complex web of political contributions and regulatory influence in the insurance industry. The convictions serve as a warning to other potential wrongdoers that illegal schemes to manipulate government officials will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
The legal proceedings against Lindberg and Gray have spanned several years, involving multiple trials and appeals. The latest conviction underscores the determination of law enforcement and prosecutors to hold individuals accountable for corrupt practices that undermine the integrity of government institutions. The implications of this case go beyond the individuals involved, serving as a reminder of the importance of upholding ethical standards in public office. As the legal process moves forward, the outcome of the sentencing phase will determine the consequences that Lindberg and Gray will face for their actions.
