Ex-N.C. gov's case goes to prosecutor

RALEIGH, N.C., Oct. 31 (UPI) -- A special prosecutor will take over the case of former North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley's alleged violations of state campaign finance laws.

The case moves to the office of special prosecutor William Kenerly following Friday's decision by the State Board of Elections that Easley should be investigated for possible crimes committed while in office.

The allegations include a range of payments, favors and deals Easley allegedly accepted during his two terms.

Kenerly is the district attorney of Rowan County and was named special prosecutor after Wake County District Attorney Colon Willoughby, a friend of Easley, recused himself from the case, The Charlotte (N.C.) News and Observer said Saturday.

Easley, who left office in January, has denied any wrongdoing.

The board fined Easley's campaign organization $100,000 as a penalty for not disclosing free airline flights the governor had taken. Board members also said Easley had illegally solicited donations to the state Democratic Party.