Financial records were apparently targeted during an investigation Tuesday at the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office.

Claiborne County Mayor Jack Daniels has issued a statement in regard to the activity at the Claiborne County Justice Center.

In a release earlier Wednesday, Daniels states, verbatim, that he “wishes to inform the public of the events that happened on May 1, 2018 when State and Federal Agents picked up the Financial Records from the Finance office and Sheriffs Department as part of an Investigation. There have been no charges made against anyone by any of the Agents. The Operation of Claiborne County Government has not been compromised or effected in anyway.”

Sources confirmed that an investigation is ongoing, as agents were seen entering and exiting the building. Computer equipment could be seen with some. The TBI mobile unit was parked outside the Justice Center.

An agent outside of the Justice Center referred the Claiborne Progress to the FBI. Jared Effler, 8th Judicial District Attorney General, referred all questions to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Knoxville. When reached, Sharry Dedman-Beard, the public information officer for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, said “It is the policy of our office to not comment on ongoing investigations.”

Witnesses reported that agents were going through vehicles outside the Justice Center Tuesday morning.

Sheriff David Ray could not be reached for comment Tuesday and calls to the CCSO went to voicemail.

Various officers with the CCSO would not comment. A person inside the Justice Center told the Claiborne Progress that Ray and others with the CCSO were “out to lunch” around noon.

Daniels confirmed on Tuesday that agents were at the County Finance Office in addition to the Justice Center. He had no further comment at that time.

The Progress is following this developing story closely and will have more information as it becomes available.