An attorney said Operation Sickle Cell was concerned about privacy.

Jonathan Charleston said the Fayetteville nonprofit turned over bank statements and other financial records as requested by state auditors.

But when staffers from Auditor Les Merritt's office asked to remove its computers, it objected.

The computers also contain medical records from HIV-positive clients who have received counseling, which are protected by federal law. They also contained e-mails with attorneys.

A Cumberland County judge ordered the nonprofit to allow access to the computers, but he also required the auditor's office to keep those records confidential.

In a statement, Rep. Mary McAllister, who is executive director of Operation Sickle Cell, said she believed the original request "exceeded the scope of authority" given to the auditor's office.

Her complete statement is after the jump.

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