The early 2000s saw Subway rise as a beacon of health-conscious fast food options, with their famous five-dollar footlongs and Jared Fogle, the face of their success story.
Jared Fogle, famously known as the “Subway Guy,” became a household name thanks to his remarkable weight loss journey with Subway’s sandwiches.
While Subway clarified he didn’t solely rely on their food, his transformation into a spokesperson propelled him into the spotlight.
Shedding 245 pounds, his success story was showcased in Subway’s commercials, cementing his place in pop culture during that era. But what happened to Fogle after his years in the limelight?
In 2015, Jared Fogle pleaded guilty to 12 counts of making child p*rn and one count of sending/ distributing it, receiving a 15-year, 8-month sentence with fines, asset forfeiture, and restitution totaling more than $1.5 million. Subject to lifelong supervision, Fogle faces a minimum 85% sentence requirement and sex offender registration upon release. He is imprisoned at the Federal Correctional Institution, Englewood, eyeing a March 24, 2029, release.
What Was the Fate of Subway’s Jared Fogle? What Did He Do?
Jared Fogle, once a prominent figure in the limelight for his significant weight loss journey, found himself under the harsh scrutiny of federal law enforcement around 2007.
His downfall began when journalist Rochelle Herman-Walrond brought to light unsettling comments he made about middle school-aged individuals.
Herman-Walrond, acting on her instincts, meticulously gathered evidence, including recordings and messages, that substantiated Fogle’s disturbing behavior.
Subsequently, it was revealed that Russell Taylor, the director of Fogle’s organization aimed at combating childhood obesity, was embroiled in a heinous child exploitation scandal.
Investigations uncovered Fogle’s association with Taylor’s reprehensible activities, leading to the FBI’s raid on Fogle’s premises in 2015. The seizure of electronic devices and the scrutiny of text messages further incriminated Fogle in illicit pursuits.
It was revealed in text conversations between Subway franchisee Cindy Mills and Fogle that the latter had asked Mills to ensure that he could have intercourse with her underage cousin. He was arrested later and pleaded guilty on two counts.
One was the distribution of child p*rnography, and the second was engaging in illicit and illegal conduct with a minor. Ultimately, Taylor pleaded guilty to a mind-boggling 12 counts of making child p*rn and one count of sending/ distributing it.
He was sentenced to a whopping 15 years and eight months in prison in 2015. Along with this, a fine of $175,000 and the forfeiture of assets worth $50,000 were imposed. The court also demanded that he also pay $1.4 million in restitution.
For the rest of his life, Fogle will always be supervised, even after his release. Subway swiftly cut ties with their tarnished ambassador, distancing themselves from the scandal.
In 2022, The New York Post was able to get his handwritten letter from prison, where he reflected on his mistakes and the long road to redemption.
Fogle acknowledged his profound regret and sought solace in his daily routine, which revolved around fitness and self-improvement.
Despite his remorse, Fogle’s letter also shed light on his personal struggles, including
“All the people I’ve let down every single day, especially my family.”
His marriage to Kathleen McLaughlin, his second wife, crumbled under the weight of the scandal as she swiftly initiated divorce proceedings, which concluded within three months of his arrest.
Fogle’s days in prison are characterized by a disciplined diet and a routine of consuming news and entertainment like NFL and College football as it made his time pass quickly. He wrote:
“I try to avoid too much junk food. I snack on granola bars and protein bars. I feel really good physically and mentally.”
However, he revealed that he yearns for the simple pleasures of everyday life, highlighting the stark reality of his confinement. Jared penned:
“I really miss the small things like walking barefoot on carpet, sleeping on a nice comfy mattress, eating with real silverware, having access to a microwave … All I can do is learn from my mistakes to be a better man when I get released in a few years.”
While Fogle has expressed hope for redemption and reunification with his family upon release, the shadow of his crimes looms large.
Former Assistant US Attorney Steven DeBrota, who prosecuted Fogle, emphasized the enduring significance of Fogle’s crimes and the impact on his victims. He said:
“The case will always be about [Fogle’s] victims, not his prior successes in life, his latest characterization of his actions or his present situation.”
Despite his efforts to seek a reduction in his sentence, Jared Fogle remains bound by the legal constraints of his conviction.
As per Federal Bureau of Prisons records, he is obligated to serve a minimum of 85% of his sentence, with the earliest possibility of release pegged to March 24, 2029.
Additionally, upon release, he will be required to register as a sex offender, further cementing the enduring consequences of his actions.
A recent documentary called “Jared from Subway: Catching a Monster” was shown on Discovery+ in March 2023. It shed light on Fogle’s harrowing journey and offered insight into the man behind the scandal.
In 2024, Fogle remains behind bars at the Federal Correctional Institution, Englewood. His earliest release date is set for March 24, 2029.
These stringent terms underscore the severity of Fogle’s crimes and serve as a stark reminder of the enduring ramifications of his past behavior.
So, should companies be held accountable for associating with disgraced public figures? Do you think the sentence wasn’t harsh enough for the crime? Or do you think it was just right? Overall, do you feel that justice prevailed?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: The NY Post
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