11192013 - News Article - It's back to normal in Lake Station

It's back to normal in Lake Station

Times, The (Munster, IN) 

November 19, 2013 

Nov. 19--LAKE STATION -- Business at Lake Station City Hall was back to normal on Monday, Mayor Keith Soderquist said. 

Federal agents left City Hall sometime Friday afternoon after executing a search warrant that morning. 

"I did not notice exactly what time they (federal agents) left the office," Soderquist said. 

The agents, including three from the Internal Revenue Service and one the Federal Bureau of Investigations, didn't discuss with city officials whether they would be returning, what they were seeking or why. 

"We complied with their request for information," Soderquist said. 

The agents on Friday also declined to discuss the intent of their search warrant with the media, referring all questions to media spokespersons from their departments. 

Kerry Hannigan, a public information officer of the IRS, said agents from her office were in Lake Station on "official business." 

"I can't comment on whether or not the agents will be returning to Lake Station," Hannigan said on Monday. 

FBI spokeswoman Wendy Osborne confirmed Monday the the FBI is conducting an investigative activity in Lake Station, the nature of which she wouldn't disclose. 

It's not the first time federal agents have been in Lake Station seeking information. 

Clerk-Treasurer Brenda Samuels confirmed earlier this fall agents had sought documents and information from her office.