Robin Hayes
| Robert Robin Hayes | |
|---|---|
| Born: | August 14, 1945 Concord, North Carolina |
| Charges: | Making false statements to the FBI |
| Sentence: | Probation |
| Facility: | |
| Status: | Pardoned |
Robert Robin Hayes (born August 14, 1945) is a former American politician who served as the U.S. Representative for North Carolina's 8th congressional district from 1999 to 2009 and later as Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party from 2016 to 2019. In October 2019, Hayes pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI in connection with a bribery scheme targeting the North Carolina Insurance Commissioner. He received probation rather than prison time due to COVID-19 concerns and his lack of a prior criminal record. On January 20, 2021, President Donald Trump granted Hayes a full presidential pardon on his final day in office.[1]
Summary
Robin Hayes came from a prominent North Carolina family—his grandfather was the founder of Cannon Mills, one of the largest textile companies in the South. Hayes built a career in state and federal politics, serving in the North Carolina House of Representatives before winning election to Congress in 1998. He served five terms in the U.S. House before losing his seat in 2008.
After leaving Congress, Hayes remained active in Republican politics and was elected Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party in 2016. It was in this role that he became entangled in the bribery scandal that would end his political career.
The scheme centered on wealthy insurance executive Greg Lindberg, who sought to influence North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey for favorable regulatory treatment. Hayes allegedly helped coordinate an effort to funnel $250,000 to Causey's campaign in exchange for Causey's dismissal of a deputy who was investigating Lindberg's insurance companies. The scheme unraveled when Causey reported the bribery attempt to federal authorities.
Background
Early Life and Family
Robert Robin Hayes was born on August 14, 1945, in Concord, North Carolina. His grandfather, Charles A. Cannon, founded Cannon Mills, which became one of the largest textile manufacturers in the United States. The family's wealth and prominence gave Hayes significant standing in North Carolina business and political circles.
Education
Hayes is a graduate of Duke University.
Political Career
North Carolina House of Representatives
Hayes served in the North Carolina House of Representatives representing the 90th District from 1993 to 1997. He used this platform to build name recognition for higher office.
1996 Gubernatorial Campaign
In 1996, Hayes won the Republican nomination for Governor of North Carolina. However, he lost the general election to incumbent Democratic Governor Jim Hunt by a significant margin.
U.S. House of Representatives (1999-2009)
In 1998, Hayes was elected to represent North Carolina's 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was reelected four times, serving until 2009.
During his time in Congress, Hayes was known as a moderate Republican. He represented a swing district that included both rural areas and parts of the Charlotte suburbs.
In 2008, Hayes lost his reelection bid to Democrat Larry Kissell in a close race during a Democratic wave election.
Chairman of North Carolina Republican Party
In 2016, Hayes was elected Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party. He also served as Chair of the National Council of Republican Party Chairs, giving him a prominent role in national Republican politics.
He resigned as state party chairman in 2019 following his indictment.
Bribery Scandal
The Scheme
Greg Lindberg, a wealthy North Carolina businessman who owned multiple insurance companies, sought to influence state Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey. Lindberg wanted Causey to dismiss a deputy insurance commissioner who was investigating his companies and to provide favorable regulatory treatment.[2]
According to prosecutors, Hayes agreed to use the Republican Party to funnel $250,000 to Causey's campaign as a bribe.
Investigation
The scheme unraveled when Insurance Commissioner Causey reported the bribery attempt to federal authorities. Causey cooperated with investigators and helped gather evidence against Lindberg and Hayes.
Indictment
On March 18, 2019, a federal grand jury indicted Hayes on charges of conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, wire fraud, bribery, and three counts of making false statements to federal authorities.
Guilty Plea
On October 2, 2019, Hayes pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements to the FBI. In exchange for his plea, other charges were dropped.[3]
Sentencing
In August 2020, Hayes was sentenced to probation rather than prison time. The judge cited COVID-19 concerns and Hayes's lack of a prior criminal record as factors in the decision.
Greg Lindberg, the central figure in the bribery scheme, was found guilty at trial and sentenced to seven years in federal prison.
Presidential Pardon
On January 20, 2021, President Trump's final day in office, Trump granted Robin Hayes a full presidential pardon. The pardon was part of a wave of over 100 pardons and commutations issued in Trump's final hours as president.[4]
Support for Pardon
The pardon was supported by Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina. Tillis spokesman Daniel Keylin said Hayes "has had a long and distinguished career in public service and has taken full responsibility and demonstrated sincere contrition for his momentary lapse in judgment."[5]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What did Robin Hayes do?
Robin Hayes pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI in connection with a bribery scheme. As chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party, Hayes allegedly coordinated with businessman Greg Lindberg to funnel $250,000 to Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey's campaign in exchange for favorable regulatory treatment and the dismissal of an investigator looking into Lindberg's companies.[2]
Q: Was Robin Hayes pardoned?
Yes, President Trump granted Hayes a full pardon on January 20, 2021, his final day in office. The pardon was supported by Senator Thom Tillis, whose spokesman said Hayes "has had a long and distinguished career in public service and has taken full responsibility and demonstrated sincere contrition."[1]
Q: What was Robin Hayes' sentence?
Hayes received probation rather than prison time. The judge granted probation in August 2020, citing COVID-19 concerns and Hayes's lack of prior criminal record. Greg Lindberg, the central figure in the scheme, was sentenced to seven years in prison.[3]
Q: What was Robin Hayes' political career?
Hayes served five terms in Congress representing North Carolina's 8th District from 1999 to 2009. He previously served in the NC House of Representatives and was the 1996 Republican nominee for Governor. After Congress, he was NC Republican Party Chairman from 2016 to 2019.[1]
Q: Who else was charged in the Robin Hayes case?
Greg Lindberg, a wealthy insurance executive, was convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison. Two others were also charged. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey cooperated with federal investigators and reported the bribery attempt, leading to the investigation.[5]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 WCNC, "Former NC Congressman Robin Hayes pardoned by Trump," January 2021, https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/north-carolina-politics/nc-congressman-robin-hayes-pardon-president-donald-trump/275-ab93c50f-d3a6-4c98-aa1e-2b3bee1b99b5
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Washington Times, "Ex-Rep. Hayes pardoned by Trump for role in bribery scandal," January 2021, https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/jan/20/ex-rep-hayes-pardoned-by-trump-for-role-in-bribery/
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 WUNC, "Former NC Rep. Robin Hayes Pardoned By Trump," January 2021, https://www.wunc.org/law/2021-01-20/former-nc-rep-robin-hayes-pardoned-by-trump
- ↑ ABC 11, "Former North Carolina Congressman Robin Hayes granted pardon by President Trump before leaving office," January 2021, https://abc11.com/post/did-trump-pardon-robin-hayes-list-who/9833827/
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Spectrum News, "Trump Pardons Former NC GOP Chair Robin Hayes," January 2021, https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/politics/2021/01/20/trump-pardons-former-nc-gop-chair-who-pleaded-guilty-to-lying-to-fbi-in-bribery-case