ORANGE -- The dozens of documents, computers, hard drives, and other materials FBI investigators seized from the Orange Public Library last month were tied to an investigation into theft, fraud, extortion, and the misuse of government funds, according to a search and seizure warrant obtained by NJ Advance Media.

The warrant, which was executed by federal agents on July 21, requested evidence related to an investigation into a litany of potential violations, including theft of federal government funds, accepting corrupt payments from an agency that receives federal funds, wire fraud, extortion, and money laundering.

The FBI's warrant included demands for documents related to the library's HVAC system, its Saturday literacy program, janitorial and maintenance services, and all of its financial dealings, including bank statements, cancelled checks, and receipts.

The seizure also included a long list of records and documents related to five area corporations, seven individuals, and three programs and systems connected to the library. The financial records requested date back to Dec. 1, 2013.

Those mentioned in the subpoena include Willis Edwards III, a former Assemblyman who served in a few positions in the city for several years until stepping down in 2015. Willis's company, Strategic Ace Solutions, LLC, was also pinpointed in the document.

When reached by phone Tuesday, Edwards said he was only named in the document because he served as business administrator of the city at the time in question.

"This is not the first time that a city has received a subpoena to turn over documents," he said.

Edwards said in his capacity as business administrator -- a role he left in 2015 after a court order ruled on his controversial appointment -- he did not oversee the library, but that the administrator is "named automatically" when cities are subpoenaed.

Edwards, who represented the state's 34th Assembly District from 2001 through 2003, said that after leaving his post in Orange, he did receive about $25,000 from the library, which hired his firm to do some consulting work. But, he insisted that the work he did consisted of "nothing improper on my part."

Others mentioned in the search warrant could not be reached for comment. They include Tyshammie Cooper, who has served as Orange Mayor Dwayne Warren's chief of staff, and is a councilwoman in neighboring East Orange. A spokeswoman for the city of East Orange declined to comment on Cooper's mention in the warrant.

Though Orange officials said earlier this month that an FBI raid was not conducted at city hall, additional documents suggest the probe is not limited to the library.

An August 9 subpoena from the U.S. Attorney's Office obtained by NJ Advance Media shows that office requested documents related to the city's recent purchase of the YWCA at 395 Main St., and to the maintenance of the building, and its conversion to a recreation center.

It also requests documents related to the city's water utility and water services, its senior health and wellness programs, and correspondences with a handful of individuals and businesses, including several mentioned in the library subpoena.

A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office declined to confirm the investigation or comment on the subpoenas.

Aside from confirming that they were cooperating with the federal investigation, Orange officials have been mum on the subpoenas, and what may have led the FBI to question library spending or the attorney's office to look into other city entities.

"We have to wait and see what further action (the FBI) will be taking," said Councilman Kerry Coley, noting that the city council is not involved in the investigation.

When asked whether or not the council, which appropriates the library's annual budget, suspected a misuse of funds or is planning its own investigation of library spending, Kerry said, "we really haven't had that conversation yet."

Since 2013, the city and library have been the recipients of several high-profile government grants, including a $1.5 million federal Hurricane Sandy recovery grant.

In 2013, the library was shuttered after OSHA discovered "extensive" structural issues and safety hazards in the building - the second time it was closed for repairs since 2010. When it reopened in 2014, Warren credited a matching $750,000 state grant with helping renovate it.

In a debate earlier this year, Warren confirmed a $2.5 million state grant allowed for the purchase and renovation of the Y. A spokesman for Gov. Chris Christie's office declined to comment on past grants and the present investigation.

According to city budget documents, the library's overall annual budget is slightly over $461,000. City officials have declined to comment on whether or not the grants are connected to the corruption investigation.

"The City of Orange township is cooperating with authorities regarding the matter concerning the Orange Public Library.The matter has been referred to legal counsel for full cooperation," city spokesman Keith Royster said in a statement to NJ Advance Media Tuesday.

"The Orange Public Library is open and city government will continue to operate and serve the residents of the City of Orange township."

NJ Advance Media reporters Tom Haydon and Noah Cohen contributed to this report.

Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.