This week federal prosecutors announced that they have charged the chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party, Robin Hayes, and a political donor who owns an insurance company, Greg Lindberg, with attempting to bribe State Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey. Reports say that Lindberg, along with two associates who also have been charged, met with Causey repeatedly to discuss exchanging campaign donations for favorable treatment with respect to a financial examination that was being conducted on one of Lindberg’s businesses. Hayes allegedly also attempted to persuade Causey on behalf of Lindberg. Causey reported the scheme and worked with federal authorities during the investigation; he said this week that the case was complex and that more indictments could be forthcoming. Keep reading for more news.
Memorial Vandalized. As the New York Times reports, the Unsung Founders Memorial on UNC campus, dedicated to slaves and African American workers who helped build the university, was vandalized over the weekend with urine and racist language. Two people have been charged in the incident, one reportedly was affiliated with Heirs to the Confederacy, a group that had supported the Silent Sam statue torn down by protesters last year.
ICE Cooperation. As the News Roundup has noted, several sheriffs in North Carolina have reduced their cooperation with Federal Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, with some refusing to honor detainer requests and others ending jail use contracts. On Wednesday, the state House passed a bill that would require sheriffs to cooperate with ICE detainer requests. A report from the News & Observer says that the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association does not support the proposed legislation.
Former Judge Charged. WSOC TV reports that former superior court judge Dan Green recently was arrested in Asheville and charged with sex crimes against a child. Last year, the State Bar named Green the Citizen Lawyer of 2018 and he previously has served as the chairman of the Democratic Party of Catawba County.
New Judges Appointed. Governor Roy Cooper announced several appointments to judicial positions around the state this week. Ellen Shelly was appointed as a District Court Judge in District 29A, Kimberly Gasperson-Justice was appointed as a District Court Judge in District 29B, and Bob R. Cherry was appointed as District Court Judge in District 3B.
Courthouse Shooting. WRAL reports that two people have been arrested following a shooting outside the Durham County Courthouse on Wednesday morning. The shooting occurred at 9:30 a.m., with the victim collapsing at the main entrance of the building before being taken to the hospital where he was in serious but stable condition. Equaan Straiter and Jordan Armand Terrell have been charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury.
Running Safe. This week runners in Guilford County were alerted to a person in the vicinity of popular running trails near Old battleground Road who was naked except for a jacket and sneakers. Police searched the area but did not locate the person. The incident is a good reminder to be aware of your surroundings while exercising alone outdoors as the weather warms up.
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