FBI seeks information on potential victims of former RPD officer accused of sex crimes

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The FBI is opening a civil rights investigation into a former Raleigh police officer, who is facing alleged sex crimes charges stemming from an alleged on-duty incident.

Investigators from the FBI believe now there could be more victims and witnesses, and are asking them to come forward.

Tremale Cogdell worked as a Raleigh police officer for more than two years before he was arrested in October, stemming from an alleged incident in September 2025.

Court documents from his arrest say he allegedly failed "to conduct and charge a DWI investigation in exchange for sexual acts."

He was indicted by a grand jury on several charges in October, including obstruction of justice and at least five charges of soliciting prostitution from multiple other alleged victims.

Cogdell was released on bond, and he does not have another court date scheduled in Wake County yet.

Raleigh police released a statement to ABC11, saying: "We are aware of the FBI news release issued this morning and appreciate the ongoing efforts of our federal partners to help keep our city, state, and country safe. At this time, we will not be providing any additional statements regarding the case, as it is currently pending with the Wake County District Attorney's Office."

The FBI field office in Charlotte would not comment about this latest development in the case.

The SBI released a statement to Eyewitness News saying in part, "The agencies are coordinating investigative efforts, sharing information, and encouraging any additional victims or witnesses with relevant information about Cogdell's alleged conduct to come forward so they can be identified, supported, and their allegations thoroughly investigated."

Dr. Roy Taylor is a police procedure expert with experience working in federal civil rights investigations. He says the FBI's involvement signals the seriousness of the case, and the allegations.

"We need to send a message to other law enforcement agents or other people in power that if you take advantage of that power (...) there are consequences when you do it using your official capacity," he said.

The Wake County District Attorney's Office said to ABC11 in a statement, "It is not uncommon for both State and Federal investigators and prosecutors to investigate a matter to determine whether state and federal laws have been violated. We will work cooperatively with the FBI and US Attorney's Office to obtain justice in this case."

Eyewitness News reached out to the attorney representing Cogdell this morning, but his office has yet to return the request for comment.

The FBI has set up a digital intake form here for individuals to provide information.