Quick Hits
- Greg Lindberg faces up to 30 years in prison after being found guilty of bribery for the second time.
- Lindberg and his consultant, John Gray, orchestrated a scheme involving millions in campaign contributions for regulatory favors.
- Lindberg’s conviction follows years of legal battles and an overturned conviction in 2022.
By Samuel A. Lopez, USA Herald
NORTH CAROLINA, May 16, 2024 — In a dramatic legal development, financier Greg Lindberg has been found guilty of bribery for the second time, exposing a complex web of corruption within the insurance industry. Lindberg, the former owner of Colorado Bankers Life Insurance Co., now faces up to 30 years in federal prison following his conviction for attempting to bribe the North Carolina insurance commissioner.
Who is Greg Lindberg?
Greg Lindberg is a businessman and former owner of several insurance companies, including Colorado Bankers Life Insurance Co. His expansive business empire included life insurance companies, a reinsurance firm, and numerous other enterprises. However, his aggressive business tactics have led to multiple lawsuits and criminal charges, culminating in this latest conviction.
Lindberg’s conviction stems from a bribery scheme where he offered substantial campaign contributions in exchange for favorable regulatory treatment. This conviction follows an earlier trial that was overturned by an appeals court in 2022. The jury unanimously found Lindberg, 53, and his consultant, John Gray, guilty of bribery and conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud.
Who is John Gray?
John Gray, a former political consultant, was also convicted in this scheme. Gray, 73, played a key role in orchestrating the bribery, helping Lindberg channel millions in anonymous campaign contributions to influence the North Carolina insurance commissioner.
According to court documents, from April 2017 to August 2018, Lindberg and Gray engaged in a scheme to persuade the insurance commissioner to remove a senior deputy overseeing Lindberg’s companies. They promised millions in campaign contributions to secure this favor.
U.S. Attorney Dena J. King commented, “The defendants planned and executed an intricate scheme involving substantial campaign contributions to an elected official in exchange for favorable treatment. This was not a lapse in judgment. It was a calculated bribery attempt and a blatant violation of federal law.”
The jury’s unanimous guilty verdicts mark a significant blow to Lindberg and Gray. Their conviction on charges of bribery and conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud exposes the depth of their corruption.
Background on the Case
Lindberg and Gray’s scheme involved numerous in-person meetings and communications to discuss the removal of the senior deputy commissioner. To hide their actions, they created two corporate entities to fund independent expenditure committees supporting the commissioner’s re-election campaign. Lindberg personally funded these entities with $1.5 million.
Special Agent in Charge Robert M. DeWitt remarked, “Greg Lindberg and John Gray knowingly ignored the difference between legal political donations and felonious bribery. They thought they could buy changes to North Carolina Department of Insurance personnel to benefit Lindberg’s businesses.”
This is not the first time Lindberg has faced legal challenges. In a previous trial, Gray was sentenced to 30 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release. Lindberg served 633 days of an 87-month sentence before an appeals court vacated the conviction due to improper jury instructions.
Business Dealings and Downfall
Lindberg’s business dealings have been under scrutiny for years. He founded the private equity firm Eli Global and acquired several insurers, which he grouped under the Global Bankers Insurance Group. His aggressive investment strategies attracted regulatory attention, leading to his eventual downfall.
Samuel A. Lopez, a legal analyst with over 20 years of experience, commented, “This case underscores the critical importance of maintaining ethical standards in business practices. The judicial system’s role in upholding these standards is vital to ensuring fair and just treatment for all.”
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ethical business practices and the role of regulatory bodies in maintaining industry integrity. Lindberg’s conviction highlights the severe consequences of attempting to manipulate regulatory systems for personal gain
For further details on this case and other related legal news, visit Samuel Lopez’s bio or the USA Herald.
