RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - There's been a hastily scheduled court hearing set that may resolve the corruption case of a former aide to ex-North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley accused of dozens of felonies.

A federal judge scheduled for Monday afternoon what's called a "change of plea" hearing for Ruffin Poole.

Poole pleaded not guilty earlier this month to 57 federal charges, including tax evasion, bribery and money laundering. U.S. District Judge Terrence Boyle had set the trial date for May 3.

There were no additional details about the court hearing. Poole's attorney didn't immediately return a phone call seeking
comment.

Poole is accused of helping move along state permits for coastal housing projects while receiving gifts and making a sizable investment return on two of those subdivisions.

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