FBI Searches Ford HQ in Espionage Probe

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted a search of Ford Motor Co.'s headquarters earlier this month after the company's security officers found listening devices installed in meeting rooms by a former engineer, The Detroit News reports.

The FBI is probing possible industrial espionage involving Sharon Leach, a 17-year engineering employee with Ford who was fired in June. Court records that would explain the reason for the investigation are sealed.

Leach has refused to comment except to say she was not spying. Her lawyer tells the News she concedes planting the listening devices but claims she did so to help her take accurate notes during meetings.

The News says the Ford headquarters search came three weeks after FBI searched Leach's home in suburban Detroit and seized several items. She has not been charged with any crime.