During a search of Taylor’s home this spring, federal investigators say they discovered a cache of sexually explicit photos and videos Taylor allegedly produced by secretly filming minor children at the home.
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A spokesperson for the sandwich chain told The Washington Post that the FBI investigation could be linked to a ex- employee of Fogle’s charitable foundation.
The investigation reportedly is related to the arrest on child pornography charges of the ex- executive director of the Jared Foundation, which Fogle established to raise awareness about childhood obesity.
Earlier in the day, Subway released a statement saying it was “shocked” by the news and believed it was related to an investigation of a ex- employee of the Jared Foundation, which Fogle started to help kids improve their eating and exercise habits. “Jared continues to cooperate with authorities and he expects no actions to be forthcoming”.
Subway has said of the recent separation that “both Jared and Subway agree that this was the appropriate step to take” given the circumstances.
“Jared has been cooperating, and continues to cooperate, with law enforcement in their investigation of unspecified charges, and looks forward to its conclusion”, according to his lawyer, Ron Elberger. NBC News reports Federal Bureau of Investigation agents, Indiana State Police, and US Postal Service showed up at his home early in the morning and took a computer and other items away in an evidence truck. In May, federal prosecutors charged Russell Taylor with seven counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. “He has not been detained, arrested or charged with any crime or offense”. He declined to comment on Tuesday’s raid at Fogle’s home.
Neighbors said the family entertained frequently and would say hello but that they didn’t see Fogle and his wife outside a lot.
National tours and marketing campaigns featuring Fogle, often holding up an old pair of wide-set blue jeans, ran through the 2000s, helping the Milford, Connecticut-based sandwich shop become the world’s biggest restaurant chain, with more than 44,000 franchises across 110 countries.
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At the time, Fogle said he was severing all ties with Taylor, according to The Associated Press. Last year, industry tracker Technomic said average sales for Subway stores in the US declined 3 percent from the previous year. He later attempted suicide while in jail, the Indianapolis Star has reported.
