Kentucky law enforcement officials are investigating a death with possible political implications.

A census-taker for the federal government was found dead earlier this month-- with a rope tied around his neck.

The FBI is now among those trying to find out if he was attacked-- and if so-- whether it was because of his government affiliation.

The FBI and Kentucky law enforcement officials are continuing their investigation into the death of a U.S. Census field worker who was found earlier this month with a noose hanging around his neck.

Officials have been tight lipped about what they've found.

"Specific details of the investigation are not being released at this time because it is an ongoing investigation," says Trooper Don Trosper, Kentucky State Police.

A source told ABC News, Bill Sparkman was found in this remote part of Southeastern Kentucky with the letters "FED" scrawled on his chest, which has led to speculation that he may have been the victim of an anti- government attack.

Officials are not calling Sparkman's death a homicide.

They are waiting for evidence from an autopsy.

One source told ABC News Sparkman's death is " truly a mystery."

Sparkman also worked as a substitute teacher.

His friends and coworkers are stunned.

"And he was always where he's supposed to be when he was supposed to be and he didn't call and he didn't show up. We have the same questions that everybody does, you know," says Gilbert Accairdo, Friend.

"They have no idea either on what was going on with this situation, why he would have been in that area," says Trooper Trosper.

"We just know what the state police has told us. On several occasions I had spoken to him about being careful when he does his home visits. When you do home visits, you don't know how people are going to perceive you and if you work for the government you again don't know how people are going to be perceive you," says Accairdo.

Door-to-door census canvassing has been suspended in the area where Sparkman was found.