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.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Easley Profiteers
Does anyone have any idea what legal proceedings, if any, are in store from those who directly profited from Easley's Pay-to-Play Reign? McQueen Campbell, for example. He and his father were given prestigious positions on "boards," and there were other shady dealings the Campbells had with Easley.
Will the Campbells face any prosecution, or are they out of the corruption loop?
Time will tell
there are a whole slew of individuals who could face charges.
Look at Developers such as Garrett and Allen.
Throw in financiers like Wilson.
Add a dash of some who have not risen to light, yet. All it takes is someone to mention an individual made donations through a son or wife to get around campaign finance restrictions and you have conspiracy.
Don't be surprised if some named already have attorneys working on a plea arrangement in exchange for corroborating testimony against former Governor Easley.
There are probably several good phrases I could use; but won't.
Another interesting question surrounds the sitting Governor. Will they wait until she's out of office or will they start looking closer now?
Update
he's pleading guilty to one count of federal tax evasion. He has agreed to cooperate fully with the Feds on other investigations.
This could provide summer entertainment now that Senator Soles is leaving office and the public eye.
Just announced
He's pled guilty to one count of Federal Income Tax Evasion. This is subject to the Judge's approval.
With 57 total counts initially placed against him, he' got to be singing like a canary with regards to former Governor Easley.
I wonder of they'll share cells?
Ruffin...
may get a short stint at Club Fed in exchange for his testimony. What will be interesting is how many local folks are named when he does talk. Nick Garrett and Lanny Wilson have already been mentioned in prior stories.