FBI Seeking Potential Victims or Witnesses in Civil Rights Investigation Involving Former Raleigh Police Officer
February 5, 2026 - The FBI Charlotte Division, the Raleigh Police Department (RPD), and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) are seeking information to identify potential victims or witnesses in an ongoing investigation involving former Raleigh Police Department Officer Tremale Cogdell.
In September 2025, the SBI contacted the RPD and advised agents were investigating an RPD officer. The SBI investigation revealed during the early morning hours on September 12, 2025, Cogdell encountered the victim during a motor vehicle traffic investigation. After completing the call for service, Cogdell allegedly drove the victim in his City of Raleigh police vehicle to his resident where a sexual encounter occurred. RPD immediately placed Cogdell on Administrative Leave and then fired him after an internal administrative investigation. On October 3, 2025, the SBI and the RPD arrested Cogdell on state charges of:
- Obstruction of Justice (Felony)
- Willful Neglect of Duties (Misdemeanor)
- Sexual Misconduct of a Person in Custody (Felony)
The FBI is now conducting a federal civil rights investigation and is asking potential victims or witnesses allegedly encountered or coerced by Cogdell to come forward. The FBI created a digital intake form where possible victims or witnesses can provide information to special agents for further investigation. Cogdell was a Raleigh Police Officer between May 2023 – September 2025. The public can access the short form here: www.fbi.gov/FormerOfficerVictims
FBI Charlotte
Public Affairs Specialist Shelley Lynch
charlottemedia@fbi.gov
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
