Photo byAP Photo/Jae C Hong

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice's family business empire is once again in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. With 23 of the Justice family’s coal companies facing contempt of court for unpaid fines dating back a decade, and the iconic Greenbrier Hotel set to go up for public auction for the second time in a year, it’s clear that the financial troubles are mounting. Yet, despite these challenges, Justice remains defiant, often pointing the finger at a so-called "Democratic machine" for his woes, even as the reality of his business mismanagement becomes increasingly difficult to ignore.

The Coal Companies in Contempt

The latest legal blow to Justice's empire came this week when attorneys for the federal government filed a motion in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia. The motion accuses 23 of the family’s coal companies of being in contempt for failing to pay nearly $600,000 in health and safety fines, despite a settlement agreement made in 2020. The agreement had stipulated that the companies were to pay off the entire debt, totaling about $5.13 million, by March 1, 2024. Yet, according to the federal attorneys, the companies have consistently failed to make timely payments, with the situation deteriorating to the point where payments have all but ceased.

This isn’t the first time Justice’s coal companies have found themselves in legal hot water. The motion reveals a long history of unpaid fines and violations dating back to 2014, and the government has previously filed suit against the Justice companies to collect over $4 million in past-due fines. Despite entering into a settlement agreement in 2020, the companies have repeatedly failed to honor their commitments, leading federal attorneys to accuse them of believing they are "above the law."

The Greenbrier Under Threat

As if the troubles with the coal companies weren’t enough, the Greenbrier Hotel, one of the crown jewels of the Justice family’s holdings, is facing public auction yet again. The auction, scheduled for August 27th, comes after the Greenbrier Hotel Corporation defaulted on loans, leading to foreclosure proceedings. While the auction doesn’t involve the entirety of The Greenbrier resort, it does include 60.5 acres of the property—a significant portion of this historic and luxurious estate.

This isn’t the first time a Justice-owned property has been on the auction block. Just last year, the Greenbrier Sporting Club was slated for auction to satisfy a $300 million debt. While that auction was ultimately put on hold after the Justice family filed suit, it highlights the precarious financial situation that seems to be a recurring theme in the Justice business empire.

The Blame Game

Throughout all these financial challenges, Governor Justice has been quick to blame others, particularly pointing to a "Democratic machine" that he claims is orchestrating these problems for political gain. This narrative is not new; Justice has often distanced himself from the troubles of his businesses, instead blaming external forces or insisting that his children are at the helm of the business empire. Yet, despite these claims, Justice has never placed his companies in a blind trust, even while serving in public office.

This refusal to fully separate his business interests from his political role has led to increasing scrutiny, particularly as he campaigns for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Joe Manchin. While Justice continues to tout his success as a businessman, the mounting legal and financial issues tell a different story.

Conclusion: A Businessman in Crisis

Jim Justice's ability to juggle his business interests with his political career is becoming increasingly strained as financial and legal troubles pile up. While he continues to blame a "Democratic machine" for these woes, the evidence suggests that mismanagement and a failure to meet obligations are at the heart of the problem. As the auction of the Greenbrier looms and his coal companies face contempt charges, one has to wonder how long this "can-do businessman" narrative will hold up under the weight of reality.