Feds Search Lumber Liquidators’ Offices

In 2011 the Feds raided the offices of the Gibson Guitar Corp. in Tennessee and charged the famous guitar-maker with trafficking in illegally obtained wood in violation of the Lacey Act, which prohibits trading of a variety of fish, wildlife, plants and plant products, including illegally logged wood. Gibson later settled the charges by paying a $300,000 fine and a $50,000 community service payment to the National Fish and Wildlife Federation.

While it is not known precisely what the Feds were looking for at Lumber Liquidators’ offices, there is no indication that the raid was conducted by people arrayed in full SWAT gear as happened at Gibson. Guitars are probably a lot tougher to subdue than hardwood flooring.

Shares of Lumber Liquidators are down about 9.1%, at $102.66 in a 52-week range of $47.31 to $115.59.