A former staffer at the North Carolina Department of Insurance says Commissioner Mike Causey repeatedly sent her personal text messages over several years that made her uncomfortable and ultimately pushed her to file whistleblower complaints and resign.
April Taylor, hired as a regional director responsible for about 15 counties, says she kept screenshots of what she describes as a long-running string of texts from Causey’s personal cellphone. Taylor left the department in March after raising concerns about internal procedures and the broader workplace environment.
Among the messages Taylor shared: “I might jump your bones. Watch out!!!” in an April 26, 2018 text, and “You’re hotter than you realize” in a June 5, 2025 message. According to The News & Observer, the screenshots also include emojis, photos and other exchanges that Taylor says crossed the line in a boss-employee relationship.
Causey’s Record In The Spotlight
Causey is no stranger to scrutiny. Federal prosecutors say political donor Greg Lindberg and several associates tried to sway the Department of Insurance’s staffing and regulatory decisions, a scheme that led to indictments and multiple trials involving the commissioner’s office. Coverage of the Lindberg saga has detailed a protracted legal fight that continues to shadow state insurance regulators. Background on those prosecutions is available from The Associated Press.
Taylor says she filed whistleblower complaints in February with the State Bureau of Investigation, the state auditor, the State Ethics Commission and several legislators before going public. Causey told a reporter he had exchanged texts with Taylor about work but added, “I don’t have any recollection of it.” As reported by The News & Observer, department officials say they are reviewing messages in response to a public-records request.
Legal And Ethics Channels
The State Ethics Commission outlines how third parties can submit complaints alleging violations of the State Government Ethics Act on its public complaints page. The North Carolina Department of Insurance lists public-records procedures and contact information on its website, including details for its public information office, which handles records requests and offers guidance on how to obtain documents. The commission’s complaints information and the department’s contact listings provide the basic roadmap for anyone seeking to file concerns or request records tied to the agency.
What Happens Next
It is not yet clear whether the SBI, the ethics commission or any other state authority will launch a formal investigation. If they do, those reviews can stretch for weeks or months and may culminate in internal discipline or criminal referrals, depending on what investigators find.
Taylor has told reporters she has sought legal counsel. Causey remains in office while the department continues to assess the text messages and respond to records requests. For now, the public should expect more documents to surface and the possibility of official inquiries as state officials weigh the whistleblower complaints and the department’s handling of the matter.
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