Another state office invovled in Easley probe

RALEIGH

The North Carolina State Ports Authority chair testified Wednesday in connection with a deal surrounding a Southport, NC marina. That deal led to an ethics complaint against Easley several years ago.

"It went well, and I'm pleased to be able to be here and help, if I can," Ports Authority Chairman Carl Stewart said.

The Office of the State Auditor has also been subpoenaed in the investigation. It is not known who from that office may take the stand.

Former NC State chancellor James Oblinger also took the stand Wednesday.

"What I can tell you is that Dr. Oblinger from the start through now has cooperated with this investigation in every way," said Press Millen, Oblinger's attorney.

Click here to read more about Oblinger's testimony

Oblinger was the first university official to go before the grand jury and former Provost Larry Neilson could be next.

Federal prosecutors want to know if Easley engaged in political corruption while in office.

It is believed that university officials are answering questions regarding NC State's hiring of Easley's wife, Mary Easley.

E-mails and other documents released last week show the former governor played a role in getting his wife a lecturer job at State in 2005 and her high paying job as a person who brought speakers to the university.

Click here to read more about the e-mail and documents

Neilsen was the first to resign from his position at NC State last month. Oblinger resigned last week and Mary Easley was fired the same day.

Investigators are also looking into the Easley family's travel records and personal property deals that were made while in office to see if any campaign laws were violated.

A Highway Patrol captain has already testified about those travel records.

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