Full Breakdown
Legal Battle Over Control of The Greenbrier Resort
4/15/2026, 9:40:14 AM
Overview of the Dispute
U.S. Senator Jim Justice and his family are engaged in a legal conflict to retain control of the historic Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. The Justice family has filed a lawsuit against Carter Bank & Trust and TRT Holdings, an affiliate of Omni Hotels, alleging that these entities are attempting to seize control of the resort through "unlawful and deceptive means." The dispute centers around approximately $289 million in loans that were sold to White Sulphur Springs Holdings, a company linked to TRT Holdings, which has initiated federal receivership proceedings against the resort.
Background of The Greenbrier
The Greenbrier Resort, a luxury establishment with a storied history dating back to 1778, was acquired by the Justice family in 2009 after it emerged from bankruptcy. Jim Justice holds a 49% stake in the ownership group, with his son Jay and daughter Jill holding 30% and 21%, respectively. The resort has faced financial challenges in recent years, leading to strained relations with Carter Bank, which classified the loans as "nonaccrual status," indicating they were not generating interest payments.
Key Events Leading to the Lawsuit
In March 2026, discussions between the Justice family and TRT Holdings suggested a potential partnership where TRT would forgive $200 million of the family's debt in exchange for a 50% ownership stake in the resort. However, the agreement fell apart when TRT reversed its position just days later, issuing a Notice of Default on April 9, 2026, which prompted the Justice family to file their lawsuit on April 13, 2026.
Allegations and Counterclaims
The Justice family's lawsuit accuses Carter Bank and TRT Holdings of acting in bad faith, alleging that they issued fraudulent default notices and improperly obtained confidential financial information during prior negotiations. They argue that the defendants' actions are part of a broader scheme to exploit the family's financial difficulties. Conversely, TRT Holdings claims that the Justice family has engaged in "waste, fraud, and abuse," alleging that resort revenues were mismanaged and taxes went unpaid.
Legal Proceedings and Implications
The case has been assigned to Judge Robert E. Richardson in Greenbrier Circuit Court, where the Justice family is seeking to void the sale of the loans and prevent any foreclosure actions against the resort. The lawsuit includes allegations of fraud, breach of contract, and violations of the West Virginia Uniform Trade Secrets Protection Act. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the future of The Greenbrier and the Justice family's ownership.
What's Next
As the legal battle unfolds, both parties are preparing for a high-stakes courtroom confrontation. The Justice family is demanding a jury trial, asserting that their case serves the public interest, while TRT Holdings is pushing for the appointment of a receiver to manage the resort's operations. The resolution of this dispute will determine not only the fate of The Greenbrier but also the financial stability of the Justice family and their business interests.
