Former NC lawmaker indicted on embezzlement, other charges in Bourbon Trail probe

Key Points:

• Former Republican lawmaker Jason Saine has been indicted on embezzlement and obtaining property by false pretense charges as part of a Wake County public corruption probe involving the nonprofit group Greater Carolina.
• Greater Carolina, linked to Saine and his political ally David Coble, is a dark money organization scrutinized for questionable spending on trips, strip clubs, sporting events, and a beach house, raising concerns about misuse of nonprofit status.
• Saine denies involvement in the alleged crimes, stating he was not part of the group's spending decisions and looks forward to clearing his name; Coble faces the same charges, with Saine also charged with aiding and abetting.
• The investigation has already led to charges against lobbyists and deferred prosecution deals, with District Attorney Lorrin Freeman signaling more charges could come before her term ends, while incoming DA Wiley Nickel has pledged to prioritize public corruption cases.
• Greater Carolina played a significant role in promoting free-market policies, including the legalization of sports betting in North Carolina, which has since grown into a multi-billion dollar industry.