Former Governor’s Assistant Receives Federal Prison Term

RALEIGH—United States Attorney George E.B. Holding announced that in federal court today CHARLES RUFFIN POOLE, 39, of Raleigh, North Carolina, was sentenced by United States District Judge Terrence W. Boyle to 12 months’ and one day imprisonment followed by two years’ supervised release. The court also imposed a fine of $30,000.00 and restitution of the underpaid taxes of $16,629.00 (which POOLE has already paid).

A federal grand jury returned a superseding criminal indictment on March 18, 2010. On April 19, 2010, POOLE pled guilty to federal income tax evasion, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7201.

Holding stated: “Today was about Ruffin Poole. In the sentencing today, Ruffin Poole was held accountable for his conduct: Taking a deal netting him $55,000 (and other favors) from the financier of coastal developments while he was using his official position in the governor’s office to facilitate permitting for these developments.”

According to the plea agreement, on April 14, 2006, POOLE attempted to evade a portion of his 2005 federal income tax liability by concealing his receipt of $30,000.00 of income he received in connection with his involvement in the financing of Cannonsgate, a high-end community in Carteret County. In the sentencing, POOLE was also held accountable for receipt of an additional $25,000 from the same source, which was also not reported on his tax returns. As part of the plea agreement, POOLE agreed that he failed to report and correctly identify the source of income from criminal activity, i.e., these corrupt payments he received the Wilmington financier of the coastal developments.

“No one is above the law,” said Jeannine A. Hammett Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation. “Lawyers and other professionals, like workers from all walks of life, have to pay their fair share of income taxes. People who break these laws face serious felony charges, prison time, and having to pay back all the taxes owed with interest and penalties.”

“People in positions of public service are there to act for the common good, not to line their own pockets by abusing the power they wield. Evading taxes may not seem like a big deal, but even the smallest offense chips away at the trust put in public servants and destroys faith people have in government,” said Chris Briese, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina.

Investigation of this case is being conducted by the State Bureau of Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division. First Assistant United States Attorney John Stuart Bruce and Assistant United States Attorney Dennis M. Duffy are assigned as prosecutors.