A representative of the IBR Corporation in Page County says the FBI was conducting a criminal investigation of a "top ranking County official."

One day after FBI and IRS agents raided several properties and residences owned by the IBR Corporation of Page County, the company has issued a scathing response.

"We must admit there were several preposterous accusations presented by these agents in charge," says Bill George, one of IBR's owners.

IBR says agents began searching the properties around 8:30 a.m. Thursday. Company records and company-related money were taken by the agents.

"At one location, the agents were in the residence only five to ten minutes before one agent shot himself and shot a hole in the floor of the residence," says George. "The gross incompetence displayed by these agents only illustrates how desperate they are to conduct a criminal investigation of a top ranking County official."

George says they tried to ask the FBI for a copy of the accident report on the shooting by were told they could not have it. He says they were advised to file a request under the Federal Freedom of Information Act to get a copy.

"The IRS and FBI now have an injured agent from a self-inflicted gun shot wound, which could have been avoided by asking for these documents," says George.

Along with the residences, FBI agents also searched the IBR corporation headquarters in Luray and the Valley Exxon in Stanley also owned by a member of the George family.

"Special Agent Phillip A. Barnett and Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Bondurant implied that if we gave them information on a top ranking County Official, then this problem would go away," says George. "We have repeatedly told them we do not have such information and we are not going to lie for them."

WHSV News 3 asked George if he was willing to name the "top ranking County Official," but he replied "not at this time."

"Mr. Barnett and Mr. Bondurant, we say 'shame on you' for taking such a heavy hand to accomplish your goals, whatever they may be. Sending in a cavalry of 50 to 60 agents seems like overkill and we assume that is how you conduct business as usual. Innocent people could have been injured or worse," says George. " We have done nothing illegal."

Rodger Smith, an attorney for IBR Corporation and the George family, also issued a statement late Friday.

"The George Family should be applauded for their preservation of farm land and 18 farming operations in Page County and for employing some 65 workers in their poultry farm and cattle operations and landscaping businesses," says Smith. "I regret that the mentality of some people is that if you have acquired a lot of property and money then you must have done it illegally."

Smith continues, "The George Family, being retired firefighters from Alexandria and Fairfax, have worked for many years, seven days a week, for ten to 15 hours a day to establish their successful businesses. It is interesting to note that no illegal property was seized during this search."