Subway suspends relationship with spokesman Jared Fogle amid child pornography investigation

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ZIONSVILLE, Ind. -- Federal authorities raided the home of Subway spokesman Jared Fogle on Tuesday morning, July 7th, seizing electronics in a search that the sandwich chain says might be linked to the earlier arrest of someone who once worked for him. Subway has now indicated it is suspending its relationship with Fogle.

FBI sources told WXIN state and federal and state investigators served warrants at Fogle’s home in connection with the investigation.

The raid started around 6:30 a.m. Tuesday. An evidence truck could be seen parked in the driveway. Investigators from the FBI and Indiana State Police are also at the scene.

Agents took computers from Fogle's home, Fogle attorney Ron Elberger said, without disclosing what they were looking for.

Elberger said Fogle, the man who soared to fame 15 years ago after saying he shed more than 200 pounds in part through a Subway diet, has not been charged or arrested.

Fogle left his residence shortly after noon. He made no comment as he left the scene in a car with his attorney.

Subway has suspended its relationship with its spokesman.

"Subway and Jared Fogle have mutually agreed to suspend their relationship due to the current investigation," a Subway spokesman said in a statement. "Jared continues to cooperate with authorities, and he expects no actions to be forthcoming. Both Jared and Subway agree that this was the appropriate step to take."

Earlier this year, Russell Taylor, the former director of the Jared Foundation started by Fogle, was arrested in a child pornography case. He was accused of possessing and producing child pornography.

Investigators said a search of Taylor’s home turned up more than 500 videos with images of child pornography.

In May, Taylor unsuccessfully tried to kill himself while in jail.

Fogle said the foundation severed all ties with Taylor following the arrest. Investigators wouldn’t say if Tuesday’s raid was connected to that case.

FBI Special Agent Wendy Osborne, responding to questions, said that the agency is "conducting investigative activity in the area," but that she couldn't discuss the nature of the probe. U.S. Attorney's Office spokesman Tim Horty said he couldn't confirm or deny an investigation.

But Subway said that it believed the search was "related to a prior investigation" of someone who used to work for Fogle's foundation.

"We are shocked about the news and believe it (Tuesday's search) is related to a prior investigation of a former Jared Foundation employee," a Subway spokesman said. "We are very concerned and will be monitoring the situation closely. We don't have any more details at this point."

Subway didn't name the former Jared Foundation worker or elaborate on that investigation.

Fogle gained national fame after attributing massive weight loss to eating Subway sandwiches. He was a freshman at Indiana University at the time. He later became a visible presence in Subway ad campaigns, pitching the restaurant’s sandwiches and touting their health benefits.

Fogle’s lawyer, Ron Elberger, told FOX59 Fogle was not aware of the FBI search warrant prior to the raid.

Elberger released the following comment:

Jared has been cooperating with law enforcement and its investigation of certain unspecified activities and looks forward to its conclusion.

Jared has not been arrested, detained or charged with anything.


"Subway and Jared Fogle have mutually agreed to suspend their relationship due to the current investigation," a Subway spokesman said in a statement. "Jared continues to cooperate with authorities, and he expects no actions to be forthcoming. Both Jared and Subway agree that this was the appropriate step to take."