FRANKFORT, KY - Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer says he's been notified that the FBI is investigating the administration of his predecessor, Richie Farmer.

Comer told The Courier-Journal that his office was notified late last week by Attorney General Jack Conway's staff but wasn't told what aspects of Farmer's 2004-2011 tenure are under investigation.

An April 30 audit by state Auditor Adam Edelen criticized Farmer's administration, alleging a series of improprieties. The audit has been under review by the attorney general's office and the Executive Branch Ethics Commission.

Neither the attorney general's office nor the FBI would comment on whether the FBI is investigating.

Farmer's lawyer, Guthrie True of Frankfort, said he didn't know of any FBI interest in his client.