FARGO, N.D. (AP) - Federal officials are investigating state Sen. Mike Every's use of two pickups he bought as surplus federal property, the state surplus property manager says.

Every has said his use of two $500 pickups he bought from the State Surplus Property agency was an honest mistake.

Every, a Minnewaukan Democrat and former mayor of the city, bought the pickups as an authorized city official. The state's Central Services Division learned this spring that Every and his son were using the vehicles in violation of rules involving the use of federal property.

The surplus property agency sells used state and federal property to local governments or political subdivisions. Vehicles come from the federal government.

State Surplus Property Manager Alan Brinkman said he is aware of the federal investigation.

"It's mandatory that they investigate alleged misuse of federal property," Brinkman said.

"It doesn't matter if he (Every) is a representative or not. They're going to investigate anybody. It's standard procedure."

Jack Lebo of the federal Office of Inspector General said Wednesday that the agency's policy does not allow him to confirm or deny a federal investigation.

The pickups Every purchased were to be used by the city within 12 months.

Once they were in use, federal regulations require the city to use the federal property for 18 months before disposing of it.

Every said in late May that he did not know the city was barred from selling the pickups to him for 18 months, even though his signature from September 1999 was on a form explaining the buying conditions.

Every called the matter a misunderstanding and agreed to give the pickups back to the city.

He resigned as the city's mayor after the information became public.

The vehicles were transferred to the Devils Lake Basin Joint Water Resource Board on July 8, which resolved the state issue, Brinkman said.

"We have nothing to do with it anymore," he said of the investigation.

Minnewaukan City Councilman Richard Peterson said Wednesday that he was interviewed last week by Office of Inspector General agents.

"They wanted to know the details leading up to the purchase of the pickups and the city's role in it," Peterson said.