Former Mike Easley aide Ruffin Poole appeared at the federal courthouse in Raleigh today — in handcuffs.

Anthony Greco of CJTV has video of the arrival here, and here is David Bass’ story.

What must former governor Mike Easley be thinking right now?

I take no pleasure in seeing the suffering of people whose lives are torn apart. The sad fact is, if the allegations in the indictment are proven true, Mr. Poole has no one to blame but himself.