GOP Rep. Mark Walker has become entangled in a federal corruption investigation that has resulted in the indictment of Robin Hayes, the chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party, according to a report on Tuesday.
Walker allegedly received $150,000 from a Durham business owner, Greg Lindberg, after Lindberg asked him to pressure state Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey to replace his deputy, Politico reported, citing an indictment that was unsealed on Tuesday.
Walker wasn’t named in the indictment, but Politico learned he is the person referred to as “Public Official A” in the legal documents.
The Justice Department released texts and emails showing Walker was part of Lindberg’s scheme.
“Just between the 3 of us … [Public Official A] has already made two calls on our behalf and is trying to help us move the ball forward,” one of Lindberg’s associates said in a February 2018 email to Lindberg, according to the indictment, Politico reported. “I was also told that the $150,000 will be going to [Public Official A].”
Lindberg donated to the Mark Walker Victory Committee on Feb. 17, 2018, according to Federal Elections Commission records.
A number of individuals were indicted on charges of public corruption and bribery, including Hayes and Lindberg.
Lindberg and two associates are accused of trying to bribe Causey, who was working with authorities and not charged.
Walker told Politico that he has “seen the insurance commissioner at different events” but denied he did anything wrong.
Spokesman Jack Minor said Walker has not been charged or indicted and has been cooperating with the investigation.
Hayes, 73, who represented North Carolina in Congress from 1999 to 2009, and Lindberg both pleaded not guilty and were released on $100,000 bond, according to the Raleigh News and Observer.
“Greg Lindberg is innocent of the charges in the indictment and we look forward to demonstrating this when we get our day in court,” said Anne Tompkins, Mr. Lindberg’s attorney.
Hayes said on Monday that he would not seek another term as Republican Party chairman.