Law Enforcement Associates, which has come under scrutiny for allegations of insider trading and other illegal activities, has named a new top executive.

The Raleigh company announced today that it promoted chief financial officer Paul Briggs to the CEO spot. He replaces Alan Terry, who took over as LEA's interim CEO in August.

The maker of electronic surveillance gear is being investigated for its sales to state agencies. In addition, LEA's former CEO and sales director have accused company officials, including chairman Tony Rand and Briggs, of numerous crimes.

Last week, the company released the results of its own investigation that found no evidence of wrongdoing by Rand or other company officials.

Law Enforcement Associates, a Raleigh company that sells surveillance and security equipment to the military and other customers, reported weaker third-quarter results.

Net sales fell to $1.9 million, down 21 percent from the same quarter last year. LEA's net loss was $99,000, compared to net income of $96,000 last year.

The company plans to introduce two new products during the current quarter, and has been "much more aggressive at leveraging the insight and professional connections" of its board to boost its business, said Alan Terry, in a prepared statement. Terry, who was named interim CEO in August, wasn't available for further comment.

LEA's board includes Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand, left, who recently announced he plans to step down from the Senate to become chairman of the state parole board. LEA shareholders are scheduled to vote next month to add former Department of Transportation secretary Lyndo Tippett to the board.

Law Enforcement Associates, a Raleigh company that sells surveillance and security equipment, today named a new, interim CEO.

In a prepared statement, LEA announced that its board has appointed Alan Terry as CEO "for an indefinite period of time as he assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the company."

Terry, 50, replaces Paul Feldman, who has been CEO since 2001. Feldman will remain on the board.

LEA is a publicly traded company with 35 employees that was spun off in 2001 from Sirchie Finger Print Laboratories, a Franklin County company founded by former state Sen. John Carrington. LEA moved to Raleigh from Youngsville last year after Sirchie was sold.