The SBI waited until 4:15 p.m. to execute a search warrant to "minimize disruption to the office," a spokesperson for the NC Department of Public Safety said. As 10 p.m. approached, a few SBI agents remained in the building, reviewing time sheets of some Hoke County employees.
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The warrants were to search and seize payroll records for several Hoke County employees.
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Most of the office workers were sent home for the day but the SBI questioned a number of them before they left.
A Raeford police officer stood guard at one of the main doors.
The SBI's Computer Crimes Unit is assisting the SBI's Southeastern District in this investigation.
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Monday night's county commissioners meeting was moved to a next-door building.
After the meeting, the county manager said she was surprised by the raid, and was unaware that the DA and sheriff had asked for the SBI to step in.
"It came as a big shock to me," said Hoke County Manager Letitia Edens.
It wasn't clear on how long the two SBI agents will remain on site. Edens said she hopes to be able to reopen all the county offices Tuesday.
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