NEW BERN -- The corporate owner of a Youngsville-based law enforcement equipment manufacturer has agreed to pay $12.6 million in criminal and civil fines for alleged violations involving former state Sen. John Carrington.
The deferred prosecution agreement for Sirchie Acquisition Co., approved Tuesday by a federal judge in New Bern, is a strong indicator that the former politician and local businessman could face criminal prosecution for violating a 2005 sentencing agreement on felony charges related to exporting sensitive police equipment to China.
As part of his past conviction, Carrington agreed to pay a $850,000 fine, serve 12months' probation and not participate in export activities for five years involving Sirchie Fingerprint Laboratories, the company where he served as president, chief executive officer and majority owner.
But as part of a criminal information filing unsealed in court Tuesday, federal prosecutors alleged Carrington subsequently violated the terms of that agreement on at least 10 occasions during 2006 and 2007 by setting the prices charged in deals involving law enforcement equipment intended for export around the world. Carrington has not been charged.
In January 2008, Carrington sold his controlling interest in Sirchie Acquisition Co., the parent company of Sirchie Fingerprint and Law Enforcement Associates, to Raymond James Financial Inc.
A written statement provided on behalf of the new owners, said any wrongdoing occurred prior to their purchase.
"We believe the decision to hold Sirchie accountable for the actions of the old company is unfortunate," the statement said. "However, we respect the government's decision."
Carrington said he set prices for the products but said he had no idea that could be considered a violation of his sentencing agreement.
"I set prices for Sirchie products for 40 years," Carrington said. "Do you think I would have intentionally done anything to jeopardize my agreement with the feds?"
