Former NC State chancellor going before grand jury

Former NC State University Chancellor James Oblinger appeared before a federal grand jury in Raleigh Wednesday morning.

He was summoned to testify about the circumstances surrounding former North Carolina First Lady Mary Easley’s employment with the university. Mary Easley’s position was terminated last week by the university’s board of trustees.

Oblinger stepped down as chancellor when a series of e-mails revealed he had more involvement in Easley’s hiring than he had previously detailed. Oblinger’s attorney said his client is cooperating fully with federal prosecutors. “Dr. Oblinger is not going to comment on this morning’s grand jury proceedings, because those are confidential under federal law. What I can tell you is that Dr. Oblinger, from the start through now, has cooperated with this investigation in every way.”

The North Carolina State Ports Authority and its chairman have also been subpoenaed by federal investigators. They are reportedly looking into Easleys’ activities in Southport.