SBI Investigating Mooresville Nonprofit Greater Carolina Over Alleged

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is expanding a criminal investigation into a Mooresville-based nonprofit accused of being used as a vehicle to provide undisclosed benefits to state lawmakers, including privately funded trips to Kentucky’s bourbon country.

At the center of the investigation is Greater Carolina, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit that investigators say may have been used as a “dark money” organization to conceal the source of funding behind lavish events involving members of the North Carolina General Assembly.

The investigation began after questions were raised about invitation-only Kentucky Bourbon Trail trips organized for lawmakers. Prosecutors allege lobbyists encouraged companies they represented to provide money to Greater Carolina, which was then used to cover expenses connected to the trips. Those expenses reportedly included lodging, meals, bourbon tastings, distillery tours and other activities.

Four lobbyists have already been charged in connection with the alleged scheme. Those charged include Kevin Wilkinson, Douglas “Bo” Heath, Douglas Miskew and David Ferrell. Prosecutors accuse them of arranging what investigators describe as improper gifts to lawmakers through contributions made to Greater Carolina. All four have pleaded not guilty.

Investigators say the trips were funded by companies and organizations with interests before the General Assembly, including businesses connected to the alcohol and gaming industries. The allegations come as lawmakers have debated and modified legislation involving issues such as sports betting and alcohol regulations.

A newly released search warrant shows the SBI investigation has expanded beyond the bourbon trips. Investigators are reviewing additional Greater Carolina financial records dating from 2022 through 2024, including tens of thousands of dollars in spending they say may provide evidence of additional criminal activity.

According to the warrant, investigators identified spending that included more than $26,000 connected to Carolina Panthers events, more than $26,000 for a vacation rental on the North Carolina coast, nearly $11,000 at an Atlanta-area Topgolf location and other expenses involving businesses in Florida and South Carolina. The warrant does not allege lawmakers attended those events or that the companies involved knew of any potential wrongdoing.

Investigators wrote that because Greater Carolina operated as a nonprofit organization, its financial records could contain evidence related to whether individuals associated with the group improperly obtained money or property.

Greater Carolina has denied wrongdoing and previously described accusations surrounding the Kentucky trips as exaggerated. The organization and its leadership have not been criminally charged, and no current or former state lawmakers have been charged in the investigation.

The investigation remains active, with prosecutors indicating additional charges could be possible as investigators continue reviewing financial records and other evidence.

For residents in the Mooresville area, the case highlights renewed scrutiny over how politically active nonprofit organizations operate, how donations are disclosed, and whether private interests are improperly influencing state government decisions.