Investigators conducting the ongoing federal probe of former Gov. Mike Easley have issued subpoenas to state environmental officials, reports the Raleigh News & Observer. They are checking out allegations that the Easley administration gave preferential treatment to real-estate developers with close personal or political ties to the governor. The developments in the question are all on the coast, including one in Brunswick County. Things may be coming to a head:

The grand jury meets next week. While the scope and nature of its inquiry are not known, investigators have sought information and summoned witnesses about a wide range of issues connected to Easley, a Democrat who left office in January. A lawyer for Easley said he could not comment. A spokesman could not immediately be reached.

The subpoenas were issued Tuesday and Thursday to a high-level environmental official who oversees most of the agency’s regulatory matters; the now-retired director of the Division of Water Quality; a midlevel chief at the water quality section; and three lower-level officials who handle permits.

They specifically mention four waterfront developments spearheaded by the Allens: Cannonsgate in Carteret County, Summerhouse in Onslow County, Cutter Bay in Pamlico County and Oyster Harbour in Brunswick County.

You can learn more about the various Easley scandals from Carolina Journal’s exclusive series, now going back several years and beginning with the governor’s involvement with the Southport Marina controversy.

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