SBI finds no evidence of criminal wrong-doing in controversial Holden Beach land sale

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HOLDEN BEACH, NC (WECT) - An investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation found no evidence of criminal wrong-doing in Brunswick County's purchase of 35 acres of land in Holden Beach.

The $3.5 million deal was completed in December. Until recently, that land was owned by Phil Norris, who was the Brunswick County Commission chair until his term expired last year.

Besides concerns from residents about a "backroom deal" voiced at a public meeting, there was concern that the county was paying too much for the land.

In a news release from Brunswick County, officials say that the SBI, with assistance from the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office's Financial Crimes Division, conducted a limited inquiry of the purchase of land for a county park in Holden Beach.

SBI Agent Mike East told Brunswick County Manager Ann Hardy that all individuals were fully cooperative and the SBI did not find any evidence of any criminal wrong-doing.