Political Corruption and Casinos at Center of North Carolina Lawsuit

A new lawsuit in North Carolina has brought serious accusations against state legislators and local officials, suggesting corruption tied to a contentious casino project.
Former Rockingham County Commissioner Craig Travis has initiated this legal action, claiming political manipulation and campaign finance violations aimed at paving the way for a casino in Stokesdale.

This lawsuit not only targets high-ranking North Carolina officials but also three political organizations, accusing them of defamation and misconduct.
Central to the allegations is the assertion that these entities engaged in a concerted effort to undermine Travis's election campaign due to his vocal opposition to pro-casino measures.

Timeline and Key Developments

The intricate timeline of events leading to this lawsuit traces back to August 2021, when NC Development Holdings, LLC was established.
This Delaware-based company, led by Joseph Weinberg, CEO of Cordish Gaming Group, is at the heart of the controversy.

The lawsuit claims there was a coordinated attempt to influence legislation through substantial campaign contributions made to key North Carolina legislators.
These funds were allegedly funneled through tax-exempt political organizations to bypass donation limits.

• Between November 2022 and January 2023, executives from Cordish reportedly made maximum individual contributions of $5,600 each to influential lawmakers.

• The contributions allegedly led to the commissioning of a Spectrum Gaming Group report supporting casino legalization.

• Rockingham County was one of the targeted areas in this proposed expansion effort.

Despite widespread public opposition during county meetings, local officials later overturned the initial denial by the Rockingham County Planning Board on Cordish’s rezoning request.

Claims of Retaliation and Broader Implications

The lawsuit argues that this reversal was part of a broader retaliation strategy against individuals who opposed the casino project.
A particularly striking example cited is the removal of dissenting planning board members who voted against the rezoning proposal.

• Travis claims over $100,000 in damages for defamation and professional harm.

• He alleges that false attacks and smear campaigns cost him his election and damaged his reputation.

• The case raises concerns about dark money influence and a lack of transparency in political funding.

These allegations have reignited debates about the integrity of public officials and the influence of money in North Carolina politics.
The lawsuit underscores the growing urgency for greater transparency, accountability, and reform in campaign finance and local governance.

As the case progresses, it is expected to shed light on the complex relationship between political donations, legislative power, and corporate influence, potentially setting a precedent for future oversight of casino-related development in the state.