FBI raids Ind. home of Subway spokesman
ZIONSVILLE, Ind. — FBI agents and Indiana State Police raided the home of Subway restaurant spokesman Jared Fogle on Tuesday, removing electronics from the property and searching the house with a police dog, two months after the then-executive director of Fogle’s foundation was arrested on child pornography charges.
FBI agent Wendy Os- borne said the agency was conducting an investigation in Zionsville, Ind., but wouldn’t say whether it involved Fogle or describe the nature of the probe.
Subway said in a statement that it is suspending its relationship with Fogle and that he is cooperating with authorities and expects “no actions to be forthcoming.” It said both sides agreed suspending the relationship was “the appropriate step to take.”
The company also said that it is “very concerned” about the raid, which it believes “is related to a prior investigation” of a former employee of the Jared Foundation, an organization founded by Fogle to raise awareness about childhood obesity.
Subway did not immediately say whether that employee was former foundation Executive Director Russell Taylor.
Federal prosecutors in May filed a criminal complaint charging Taylor, 43, with seven counts of production of child pornogra- phy and one count of possession of child pornography. Fogle issued a statement after the charges were filed saying he was severing all ties with Taylor.
Fogle was seen leaving his house just after noon with attorney Ron Elberger. Fogle declined to comment.
Fogle, 37, became Subway’s pitchman after shedding 245 pounds more than 15 years ago, in part by regularly eating Subway sandwiches. Subway began featuring Fogle in commercials soon after.