Former Easley aid testifies

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- One of former governor Mike Easley's closest friends and advisors showed up at the federal courthouse Wednesday where a grand jury is investigating Easley.

The grand jury is investigating whether Easley used his influence to get free perks, sweetheart deals and a high paying job at NC State for his wife.

In the latest round of subpoenas sent to the state auditor's office by the federal grand jury, a list of "relevant parties" is apparently central to the investigation.

Number 12 on the list is Susan Rabon. She showed up at the federal building with her attorney just before 2 p.m.

Rabon, an attorney, is now a state utilities commissioner -a job considered one of the biggest political plums in North Carolina.

She was appointed by Easley as he left office.

At that time she was his senior assistant for administration and one of his three closest advisors.

She is married to Tom Rabon, a former state legislator from coastal Brunswick County.

According to his biography on a technology networking Web site, Tom Rabon, has worked for a number of top Triangle tech companies as their lead lobbyist and is currently at Red Hat.

He and his wife have a second home in Southport, just like Mike and Mary Easley.

As for testimony from state auditor Beth Wood and her chief deputy, it's now expected to come Thursday when the grand jury continues its two-day session.

Click here to read about Woods' subpoenas

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local/state, ed crump

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