Fogle once visited Wilmington schools

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The downfall of one of America’s most recognizable pitchmen has been swift and complete in just a matter of hours, but it wasn’t too long ago that Jared Fogle was visiting schools across the country, including in Wilmington.

Federal prosecutors today said Fogle, who was the face of the Subway restaurant chain for about 15 years, used “wealth, status and secrecy” to exploit children. Among the allegations are that Fogle traveled out-of-state to engage in sex acts with underage girls. He faces at least five years in prison.

Fogle regularly traveled the country speaking to children about health and fitness and his push to lose 245 pound eating Subway sandwiches. Among those many trips was a visit to Wilmington in December 2011, where Fogle talked to students at Williston Middle School and Myrtle Grove Middle School.

Prosecutors say there are 14 alleged victims in the Fogle investigation, but they have not revealed where the children lived at the time of the alleged crimes. Wilmington Police and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office say Fogle has never been the subject of any investigation here.