SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) – Investigators unearthed four fetuses preserved in jars from behind a Springfield housing development, spinning an ongoing federal corruption probe in a new direction, according to a published report.

The search at the Riverview Apartment complex, which is owned and maintained by the Springfield Housing Authority, was prompted by information that developed from the probe, authorities said.

High-ranking housing authority officials have already been indicted on corruption charges. FBI supervisory agent Michael O’Reilly said the search at the complex stemmed from a “bizarre twist” in the larger corruption investigation.

The Republican of Springfield reported that FBI agents discovered jars containing fetuses in various stages of development just before dusk Thursday.

“We have found material and turned it over to the medical examiner,” O’Reilly told The Associated Press. He would not confirm to the AP or the Republican if that material was fetuses.

Authorities declined to say exactly why they were searching for the fetuses. They would not say when they were buried or from where they originated.

At the apartment complex, agents wearing yellow jumpsuits used shovels and rakes at the dig site, which was cordoned off and covered with tarps.

The agents cleared the scene around 7:30 p.m., leaving behind a large pit about four feet deep.

The corruption probe has yielded indictments with more than 100 charges against Raymond Asselin Sr., who headed the housing authority for 34 years, eight of his family members and four business associates.

Asselin’s wife, Janet, the couple’s five children – including former state Rep. Christopher Asselin – and two of their daughters-in-law are among those charged. They have all pleaded innocent, except for James Asselin, who is serving a federal prison sentence for stealing money from a city-run small business loan agency. He will be arraigned at a later date.

Former housing authority official Arthur G. Sotirion and three of the agency’s contractors also face charges including racketeering, conspiracy, bribery, mail fraud, extortion, money laundering and witness tampering.

Sotirion oversaw maintenance at the authority. He had no comment Thursday night: “None, whatsoever,” he said.

O’Reilly said the investigation likely will be turned over to state and local authorities.

“It looks more like potential state charges than federal,” he said.