GRANITEVILLE, S.C. (AP)--A wiretap found on the pastor's office phone has left Hillview Baptist Church without its leader and with a possible federal investigation.

Church deacon Denton Johnson said no one knows who tapped the Rev. Louis Swanson's phone. Johnson said tape recordings and transcripts were brought to deacons Jan. 11 by someone who said he was an Augusta, Ga., private detective.

The transcripts and tapes were given to state and federal officials on Monday, Johnson said.

"There is nothing incriminating on the tape," Johnson said.

He would not discuss the contents further, The Augusta (Ga.) Chronicle said.

The Rev. Swanson would not comment on his resignation, submitted Jan. 11 when the tapes came to the church.

"I prefer not to comment at this time because it's all under investigation," he said.

Johnson said the church hasn't covered up the incident and he thinks the Rev. Swanson resigned "rather than do harm to the church."

FBI agents based in Aiken would not confirm or deny any investigation. But State Law Enforcement Division spokesman Hugh Munn said wiretapping is a federal offense.

Munn said the church notified state agents weeks ago, but at the time did not pursue the matter.

Johnson said church officials hoped those responsible would come forward and confess. The church wants to give them a "chance to step forward and confess. The church is ready to forgive," Johnson said.

Ronnie McDonald, BellSouth security manager, said it may be too late for that since wiretapping here is a federal offense.

McDonald said in South Carolina has no state statute. A person here may record a conversation without others involved knowing. But he said it's illegal for a third party to do it.

BellSouth was told of the suspected wiretap, but no on-the-spot test was done. McDonald said an electrical test found a "pull on the line."

Deacons then looked for a wiretapping device, but found none.

The congregation met Sunday and voted for deacons to tell SLED and other appropriate agencies to investigate.

"The church's action let me know the church is not split over it," Johnson said. "We'll do what needs to be done."

(From an Associated Press report provided by WSOC-TV. Copyright 1998 The Associated Press. The information contained in the Associated Press news report may not be published, broadcast or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.)

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