September 19, 2024
FBI agents carry out search warrant for Republican Andy Ogles amid campaign finance ‘mistakes’ #UnitedStates

FBI agents carry out search warrant for Republican Andy Ogles amid campaign finance ‘mistakes’ #UnitedStates

CashNews.co

A Tennessee Republican was searched by the FBI last Friday, he confirmed on social media.

Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., who represents a portion of Nashville, was searched by federal authorities, local outlet WTVF reported Tuesday. 

Later in the day, the Republican took to social media to reveal that the FBI took his phone to investigate a campaign finance concerns.

Ogles had just won his competitive Republican primary election on August 1. 

The Tennessee representative has previously admitted to making ‘mistakes’ on his campaign finance disclosures.

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., speaks to supporters after being declared the winner in his Republican primary race Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Franklin, Tenn

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., speaks to supporters after being declared the winner in his Republican primary race Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Franklin, Tenn

‘It has been widely reported for months that my campaign made mistakes in our initial financial filings,’ Ogles posted on X Tuesday after the report of his investigation first broke. 

‘We have worked diligently with attorneys and reporting experts to correct the errors and ensure compliance going forward.’

‘Last Friday, the FBI took possession of my cell phone. It is my understanding that they are investigating the same well-known facts surrounding these filings.’

‘I will of course fully cooperate with them, just as I have with the Federal Election Commission,’ his statement continued.

‘I am confident all involved will conclude that the reporting discrepancies were based on honest mistakes, and nothing more.’

An FBI spokesperson told DailyMail.com Tuesday: ‘Pursuant to U.S. Department of Justice policy, the FBI can neither confirm nor deny,’ the search of Ogles. 

In May, the Republican filed numerous amended campaign financial reports and admitted he had not personally loaned his campaign $320,000 as he previously reported.

Other financial disclosure amendments prompted Ogles to retract claims he made to the Federal Election Commission. 

‘I am a grassroots representative, and I pledged everything I own to run for the honor of representing Tennessee’s Fifth Congressional District,’ Ogles said in a May statement. 

‘That $320,000 pledge comprised several documented assets, including bank and retirement accounts, which I was ready to personally risk for the chance to fight for Middle Tennessee.’

‘While we only needed to transfer $20,000, unfortunately, the full amount of my pledge was mistakenly included on my campaign’s FEC reports,’ his statement said.

Ogles’ attorney declined to comment on the FBI action to WTVF Tuesday. 

Ogles celebrates his recent primary victory in Franklin, Tennessee on August 1 with supporters

Ogles celebrates his recent primary victory in Franklin, Tennessee on August 1 with supporters

It is unclear currently what the FBI was searching for in their raid on the Republican

It is unclear currently what the FBI was searching for in their raid on the Republican 

‘I’m not going to confirm or deny that there was a search warrant issued,’ G. Kline Preston IV, the Republican’s attorney, told the outlet.

Neighbors who live in the remote area near Olges’ residence told the TV station they had not seen any unusual activity near the member’s home in recent days. 

Most law enforcement personnel in his home county were not notified of any FBI searches, sources told WTVF. 

Though one source did disclose to WTVF that the FBI did execute a search warrant within the county recently.

The Republican’s office and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com’s request for comment.