SAN FRANCISCO -- Federal agents questioned Supervisor Ed Jew and searched his City Hall office as well as several other properties tied to him.

FBI spokeswoman Patty Hansen said agents "executed sealed search warrants involving potentially federal criminal allegations," but declined to comment on what they were looking for, noting a federal judge had sealed the warrants.

Jew, 47, told the San Francisco Chronicle that agents questioned him Friday about $40,000 in cash he had accepted from a group of businessmen who had sought his help with city permit problems. He said agents also seized computers from his City Hall office.

"They went through the whole place," Jew said. "I answered all their questions. I just want to cooperate."

Jew, who was elected to the Board of Supervisors last year, said he believes the businessmen told the FBI that he had pressured them to hire a certain consultant to help them resolve issues related to permits needed to continue operating several stores. He acknowledged recommending a consultant, but insisted he did nothing inappropriate./AP