Why It Matters
Former North Carolina state representative Jason Saine faces felony charges tied to a bourbon tour for North Carolina lawmakers in Kentucky. The case is part of a multi-year investigation into Greater Carolina, the organization that arranged and funded the trip.
What Happened
A Wake County grand jury charged Saine with felony embezzlement involving more than $100,000, obtaining property by false pretense, and aiding and abetting the same acts by David Coble. Coble was indicted this week.
Greater Carolina was connected to Saine and was founded by a former Saine staffer. The organization described itself as a 501(c)4 nonprofit conservative social welfare group, but it no longer has an online presence.
A Louisville-area hospitality worker posted anonymously that the group had reserved a private bourbon tasting while already intoxicated. The source material does not identify the worker or establish how that account relates to the criminal charges.
Saine, a Republican, said, “I do not understand why I have been charged in this case.” He resigned from the legislature in August 2024, later joined The Southern Group and now leads Saine Strategies.
Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman said, “From the beginning, the focus of this investigation has been to determine what, if any, laws were violated in the operation of this organization.” The case will transition to Wiley Nickel when Freeman’s term ends.
By the Numbers
April 2024 — date of the Kentucky bourbon tour
More than $100,000 — amount involved in the embezzlement charge
501(c)4 — Greater Carolina’s organizational designation
Four — North Carolina lobbyists indicted over the trip
August 2024 — month when Saine resigned from the legislature
Zoom Out
Four North Carolina lobbyists were indicted earlier this year over the 2024 trip. Three of those cases were cleared in September, while charges remain pending against Kevin Wilkinson.
What’s Next
Freeman described the inquiry into Greater Carolina as ongoing over multiple years. Prosecutorial responsibility for the case will move to Wiley Nickel when Freeman’s term ends.