NewsChannel 5 Investigates | May 6, 2026
The U.S. Department of Justice appears to be preparing to drop a nearly two-year criminal investigation of Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles, agreeing to return or destroy evidence seized from him.
The criminal investigation had focused on potential fraud involving campaign finance reports filed by the Maury County Republican during his first run for Congress in 2022.
Ogles’ legal team filed a motion Tuesday to drop its long-pending emergency motion that had kept the FBI from reviewing evidence from Ogles’ phone and personal email.
“In discussions with the Office of the Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division of the United States Department of Justice, the Government has advised defense counsel that it will promptly return or destroy the property obtained pursuant to the respective search warrants at issue,” the motion read.
“The emergency motions filed by Congressman Ogles in these matters are therefore moot.”
The new filing came on a news-packed day as Tennessee lawmakers were convening for a special session to redraw congressional districts to put the state under complete Republican control. As part of that redistricting process, the GOP is expected to attempt to insulate Ogles from what had been expected to be a serious Democratic challenge.
At the heart of motions by Ogles’ legal team was the argument that the FBI, as part of the executive branch, should not be allowed to look at the personal communications of a sitting member of the legislative branch.
“This is a complete win for the responsible exercise of prosecutorial discretion and respect for the Constitution’s Separation of Powers,” Ogles said in a written statement.
Source: https://www.newschannel5.com/news/newschannel-5-investigates/trump-doj-agrees-to-destroy-evidence-seized-from-maga-congressman-andy-ogles