Ex-Subway pitchman Jared Fogle to plead guilty to sex acts with minors, child pornArticle at the Chicago Tribune
Longtime Subway pitchman Jared Fogle agreed Wednesday to plead guilty to allegations that he paid for sex acts with minors and received child pornography in a case that destroyed his career at the sandwich-shop chain and could send him to prison for more than a decade.
Prosecutors allege that Fogle knew the pornography had been secretly produced by the former director of his charitable foundation, which sought to raise awareness about childhood obesity and arranged for Fogle to visit schools and urge children to adopt healthy eating and exercise habits.
Fogle sat in court with his hands clasped and quietly answered "no" when the judge asked whether he had any questions about his rights. He is expected to enter the formal plea at a later date to one count each of travelling to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor and distribution and receipt of child pornography.
The agreement released by prosecutors said Fogle agrees to pay $1.4 million in restitution to 14 minor victims, who will each receive $100,000. He will also be required to register as a sex offender and undergo treatment for sexual disorders.
The government agreed not to seek a sentence of more than 12 ½ years in prison, and Fogle agreed not to ask for less than five years, according to court documents.
Federal judges have wide discretion in sentencing. The child-porn charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The count involving sex with a minor is punishable by up to 30 years.
A spokesman for Fogle attorney Jeremy Margolis said Fogle would appear with his attorneys later outside of court but would not speak publicly.
The wife of Jared Fogle says she's seeking a divorce and is solely focused on the wellbeing of her and her husband's two children.
Katie Fogle released a statement through her attorney Wednesday saying she is "extremely shocked and disappointed" by the allegations that her husband engaged in sex acts with minors and traded in child pornography.