The FBI is investigating software piracy at Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon, Iowa. It's sparking controversy among students, faculty and Community Correspondents. The professor in the middle of it all claims the investigation is completely unfounded and was started by school administration.

According to Professor Steven Gifford, Northwest Iowa Community College administrators placed him on paid leave over a week ago. The following Monday, FBI agents knocked on his door bringing allegations that he and his students were pirating software, illegally downloading programs, and then selling the illegal material to the terrorist group Al Qaeda.

"I looked out the window and I was a little stunned," said Gifford. He told FBI agents that he and his students have never used software without a license or sold illegal materials to terrorists. "There would be no benefit to me to do anything to harm my country," said Gifford. "I am a patriot."

NCC administration says the FBI is investigating computer activity on campus because of problems with excessive bandwidth use. The college would not say if the investigation is targeting any students.

"They were on campus for one day and really that was the extent of the investigation," said Dr. Bill Giddings, NCC President. "It centers around use or illegal use of college's computer system in regards to copy written or licensed material."

NCC says the FBI investigation is unrelated to any employee placed on paid leave, but Gifford says he is that employee and he believes the two incidents are more than coincidental. "In my opinion, and that's all it is, they're all related."

Gifford feels NCC is trying to fire him and made up the computer piracy accusations. It's an allegation college officials deny.

"It hurts me," said Gifford. "Then to make groundless allegations like these, especially to go to this extreme."

Gifford said he has not heard from the FBI since they questioned him. But NCC officials say the investigation is ongoing.