RALEIGH, N.C. — Former North Carolina congressman and state GOP chairman Robin Hayes has pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI during a sting that netted indictments against Hayes, a wealthy Durham investor and two associates.
Hayes did not plead guilty to the underlying bribery charges in this case. Investor Greg Lindberg and the other co-defendants in this case initially pleaded not guilty to those charges.
Hayes admitted to lying to an FBI agent in August 2018 as the agency was investigating bribery allegations against prominent Durham businessman Greg Lindberg and two of his associates, John Gray and John Palmero.
Investigators said the defendants attempted to make improper donations to state insurance commissioner Mike Causey's re-election campaign in exchange for official personnel actions that would have benefited one of Lindberg's companies.
Prosecutors said Hayes agreed to use the GOP party to funnel $250,000 to Causey's campaign.
As part of Hayes' plea agreement, he must testify against his co-defendants to avoid a maximum punishment five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Jeff Mullins has known Hayes for decades, and he came to court to show support.
"I just patted him on the back and said 'good luck,'" Mullins said.
Hayes' punishment will be set at a later date. If he follows his plea arrangement, he would face anywhere from no jail time to a six-month sentence.