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US takes nearly $500K tied to NC political bribery case

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RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — An independent political committee that prosecutors allege was created to help an insurance magnate bribe North Carolina officials has relinquished the nearly $500,000 it had left to the federal government.

A midyear campaign finance report filed last week shows the North Carolina Growth and Prosperity Committee handed over the money one day before the criminal case was announced in April.

Federal prosecutors declined to answer emailed questions Thursday. The committee’s treasurer didn’t respond.

Treasurer John Palermo, Durham insurance magnate Greg Lindberg, ex-North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Robin Hayes and a fourth man were charged with trying to pay state Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey for special treatment.

The indictments say the committee created with $1.5 million of Lindberg’s money was to funnel money to Causey, who reported the alleged bribery attempt.