WILMINGTON, N.C. -- North Carolina law enforcement agents have searched computers at a local liquor board at the center of reports of excessive spending.

The StarNews of Wilmington reported Thursday that State Bureau of Investigation agents visited the headquarters of the New Hanover County Alcoholic Beverage Control more than a week ago.

District Attorney Ben David says state and federal investigators were looking for the best way to either remove the taint of suspicion from the liquor board or find evidence pointing to possible wrongdoing.

The Wilmington-area liquor board had approved compensation packages that paid its former administrator and his son more than $400,000 a year. The newspaper reported the board also skirted public bidding laws on contracts to build new stores.

Information from: The StarNews

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