(DailyAnswer.org) – Republican Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee said the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) seized his phone the day after his primary contest victory in the Volunteer State.
On Tuesday, Aug. 6, Ogles posted a statement on social media confirming the investigation, which was “widely reported for months” related to alleged campaign filing mistakes. Ogles said his team has “worked diligently with attorneys and reporting experts” to fix the errors while ensuring “compliance going forward.”
Ogles then announced that on Friday, Aug. 2, the FBI “took possession” of his cell phone in connection to what he believes are “the same well-known facts” reported on the filings. The congressman then reiterated that he would “fully cooperate” with the FBI the same way he did with the Federal Election Commission and that he was “confident” that investigators will “conclude” that the discrepancies of his campaign finance filings “were based on honest mistakes” from his staff “and nothing more.”
Sources confirmed to reporters that the FBI did conduct a search warrant on Ogles’ DC office last week. The phone confiscation took place the day after the House Freedom Caucus member won the GOP primary election for his seat in Tennessee.
On Thursday, Aug. 1, Ogles beat Courtney Johnson in the Republican primary, gaining 55% of support to Johnson’s 44%. Johnson serves on the Metro Nashville Council. Ogles will now go up against Democrat Maryam Abolfazli in November’s general election to keep his seat, which he will likely accomplish as the seat tends to lean strongly Republican. Abolfazli is a strong gun control advocate and has become a regular face and voice at the Tennessee state capitol.
Among Ogles’ supporters is former President Donald Trump, who officially endorsed Ogles for the Republican nomination, as well as House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana.
Last year, Trump said the congressman was “working hard” to improve the economy, “stop inflation,” secure the US-Mexico border, “uphold the rule of law,” and to defend the Second Amendment. The former president said Ogles had his “complete and total endorsement” and that he was proud to help the congressman flip the seat in 2022 from Democrat to Republican.
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