The FBI served search warrants Wednesday at Lancaster City Hall and other locations, but the nature of the investigation was not immediately disclosed.
“Affidavits in support of the warrants have been sealed by the court and I’m unable to comment as to the nature of the investigation,” Laura Eimiller, spokeswoman for the FBI’s Los Angeles field office, said in a statement.
A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office also verified the operation, telling City News Service, “A search is being executed pursuant to a judicially approved warrant. Since the search warrant affidavit is under seal, we decline further comment.”
Jennifer Seguin of the city of Lancaster issued a statement saying the city “is not aware of the details related to FBI actions conducted in the city today. A search warrant was lawfully executed at City Hall, and we are cooperating with federal authorities. City Hall operations and our work for the community continues as normal.”
However, Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris told NBC4 an investigation has been ongoing for three years.
“The city-hired lawyers are going through everything and got a clean bill of health,” he told the station. “I have spoken about this investigation in city council meetings in the past.”
Parris said the feds are “investigating everything, including a bike giveaway every Christmas.”
The Los Angeles Times, citing unnamed law enforcement sources, reported that in addition to Lancaster City Hall, warrants were served at the homes of Lancaster Vice Mayor Marvin Crist and Councilman Raj Malhi, along with a property in Bel Air.