Jared Fogle became a household name as the face of Subway sandwiches in the early 2000s. Dubbed “the Subway Guy,” Fogle was featured in ad campaigns touting how he lost weight by eating Subway sandwiches. However, in 2015, Fogle’s squeaky clean image was shattered when he was charged with possession of child pornography and traveling to pay for sex with minors. The shocking case made national headlines and led to Subway quickly cutting ties with Fogle. He ultimately pleaded guilty and was sentenced to over 15 years in federal prison.
Background on Jared Fogle
Jared Fogle was born in 1977 in Indianapolis, Indiana. In his early 20s, while attending Indiana University, Fogle obese at 425 pounds. Inspired by a roommate, Fogle decided to go on a diet centered around eating Subway sandwiches. Amazingly, Fogle ended up losing 245 pounds by eating Subway subs twice a day.
After college, Fogle started giving motivational speeches about his weight loss. This led to him appearing in Subway ad campaigns in 2000. For over 15 years, Fogle was the face of Subway as he touted the benefits of their sandwiches for weight loss in numerous commercials.
Fogle became an extremely wealthy man, with an estimated net worth of $15 million. He signed a lucrative deal with Subway in 2013 to continue appearing in their ads. However, Fogle’s world came crashing down just two years later when he was charged with possession of child pornography and paying for sex with underage girls.
Timeline of Crimes & Charges Against Jared Fogle
2007 – Fogle Begins Paying for Sex with Minors
Fogle later admitted that he began paying for sex with minors as early as 2007. He found young girls advertising as escorts online and traveled to New York City to have sex with them. Some of the girls were as young as 16, making them under the legal age of consent. Fogle continued paying for sex with minors through early 2015.
2011 – Fogle Obtains Child Pornography
In 2011, Fogle acquired a disturbing collection of child pornography videos and images. The material included young children, some under 12, being sexually abused and exploited. Fogle stored the child pornography on computers and other devices with the goal of hiding it from authorities.
June 2015 – Investigation Begins After Recording
The investigation into Fogle began after a woman named Rochelle Herman-Walrond befriended Fogle and recorded conversations of him admitting to paying for sex with minors. She turned the recordings over to FBI agents, who then launched a full investigation into Fogle’s activities.
July 2015 – Home Raided & Electronics Seized
On July 7, 2015, federal and state law enforcement agencies raided Fogle’s home. They seized electronics with large quantities of child pornography that Fogle had tried to conceal. Analysis of emails, texts, and other materials provided evidence of Fogle’s crimes.
August 2015 – Formally Charged & Arrested
Fogle was formally charged on August 19, 2015, with possessing and distributing child pornography and traveling across state lines to have commercial sex with minors. He was arrested by federal marshals and immediately taken into custody.
September 2015 – Wife Files for Divorce
Just weeks after the charges, Fogle’s wife at the time – Katie Fogle – filed for divorce. The couple had two young children together. Katie Fogle released a statement saying she was blindsided by the revelations about her husband’s crimes.
November 2015 – Pleads Guilty to All Charges
On November 19, 2015, Jared Fogle officially pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography and traveling to pay for sex with minors. By pleading guilty, Fogle avoided an extended trial and the possibility of even longer prison time if convicted.
December 2015 – Wife Finalizes Divorce
In early December 2015, Katie Fogle finalized her divorce from Jared Fogle. She released a statement saying her focus was on protecting her children and moving forward with her life following the shocking revelations about her now ex-husband.
May 2016 – Sentenced to Over 15 Years in Prison
On May 27, 2016, Jared Fogle was officially sentenced by a federal judge. He received 188 months (over 15 years) in federal prison. The judge remarked that Fogle had led a double life and that his crimes deserved a harsh punishment.
In total, Fogle pleaded guilty to distributing and possessing child pornography across state lines, along with traveling to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. These serious federal charges led to Fogle receiving a lengthy prison sentence.
Details of Jared Fogle’s Prison Sentence
Total Sentence Length: 15 Years & 8 Months
Jared Fogle was sentenced to a total of 188 months (15 years and 8 months) in federal prison for his child pornography and sex crimes:
- 135 months for distribution and possession of child pornography
- 120 months for traveling to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor
The sentences for the two charges are being served concurrently, so the total effective sentence length is 188 months.
Location: FCI Englewood in Colorado
Fogle is serving his sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Englewood, Colorado. Englewood is a low-security federal prison with 1,077 total inmates.
No Chance of Parole
Under federal law, inmates sentenced for crimes like Fogle’s are not eligible for parole. This means Fogle will not get out earlier than his full 188 month sentence.
Estimated Release: August 2029
With credit for time served since his 2015 arrest and good behavior deductions, Fogle’s estimated release date is August 2029. He will be 52 years old when finally released from prison after serving his full sentence.
Life After Release: 20+ Years of Supervised Release
Even after his prison term ends, Fogle will live under heavy restrictions due to 20+ years of supervised release. This includes close monitoring of his electronics and contact with minors. Any violations could send him back to prison.
Fogle will also be required to register as a sex offender wherever he lives. This also comes with restrictions on where he can live and work.
Quotes from Jared Fogle’s Sentencing Hearing
Jared Fogle’s sentencing hearing featured emotional statements from victims, lawyers, and the judge that revealed the severity of his crimes:
“What a gift, to have had the opportunity to do so much good for so many people. But I misused that gift. I misused my influence, my fame, and my wealth.” – Jared Fogle apologizing at the sentencing hearing.
“The level of perversion and lawlessness exhibited by Mr. Fogle is extreme. The defendant’s lasting victimization of so many is immeasurable.” – Prosecution lawyers arguing for a harsh sentence.
“These children have suffered irreparable damage for the rest of their lives. He needs to be put away for life. He used these girls for entertainment.” – Family member of a victim speaking at the sentencing.
“The more I think about it, the more troubled I am. The level of depravity of this member of society is unacceptable.” – Judge Tanya Walton Pratt remarking on Fogle’s crimes before issuing the sentence.
“Fifteen years and eight months – an extremely long sentence, but one that certainly fits the crime” – Legal expert analyzing the appropriateness of Fogle’s prison sentence.
The quotes highlight how Jared Fogle’s actions amounted to severe betrayals of trust that caused lasting harm and justified serious punishment through a lengthy prison sentence.
Where exactly is Jared Fogle incarcerated?
Jared Fogle is serving his 15+ year sentence at FCI Englewood, a low-security federal correctional institution in Littleton, Colorado. The prison houses over 1,000 inmates.
What is daily life like for Fogle in prison?
Fogle likely spends his days in very regimented routines with scheduled meals, work duties, exercise time, and lights out at 10PM. Inmates have reported bland food, limited amenities, and violence at FCI Englewood. As a sex offender, Fogle faces threats and harassment from fellow inmates.
Will Fogle ever get out of prison early?
No, there is essentially zero chance of early release or parole. Fogle must serve every day of his full 188 month sentence per federal laws on child exploitation crimes. With good behavior credits, his release date is estimated for August 2029.
What restrictions will Fogle face after prison?
Fogle will live under supervised release for at least 20 years. This includes monitoring of his digital activities, home searches, and possibly wearing a GPS tracker. He’ll also be registered as a sex offender with major restrictions on residence, employment, and contact with minors.
Could Fogle face additional charges in the future?
Possibly, if new strong evidence emerged tying Fogle to other child sex crimes not covered under his current convictions. For now, prosecutors indicated they are unlikely to file further charges. Fogle’s current sentence ensures he will already be imprisoned for most of the rest of his life.
Conclusion
The shocking criminal case of Jared Fogle represents a stunning fall from grace for the man who was once the famous face of Subway. By examining the timeline of his crimes, details of the sentencing, and aftermath, we gain perspective on how Fogle ended up serving over 15 years in federal prison. The severe punishment also delivers a strong warning about the serious consequences for crimes related to child exploitation.
While Fogle destroyed his reputation and freedom, the priority of authorities was delivering justice for the victims. The extensive prison sentence handed down reflects both the nature of Fogle’s offenses and the desire to prevent further abuse by incarcerating him. The Fogle case remains an infamous cautionary tale that made headlines for years as a disturbing example of celebrities abusing their wealth, power and influence.