Former Raleigh police officer Tremale Cogdell is facing intense scrutiny after the FBI opened a civil rights investigation into allegations that he abused his authority during a traffic stop while on duty.
RALEIGH, N.C. — Federal agents with the FBI Charlotte Division have opened a civil rights investigation into former Raleigh Police Department officer Tremale Stephon Cogdell, and they’re not being subtle about it. The FBI is now publicly calling for victims and witnesses to come forward, suggesting this alleged misconduct may go way deeper than one traffic stop gone wrong.
According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the red flags popped up back in September 2025, when they quietly tipped off Raleigh PD about a serious complaint involving one of their own.
But what is alleged to have happened is, on September 12, 2025 — Cogdell allegedly stops a woman during what should’ve been a DWI-related traffic investigation tied to a crash. Instead of following protocol, investigators say he put the woman in his City of Raleigh patrol car and drove her to his personal residence.
Police records allege that once inside, a sexual encounter occurred — while Cogdell was still on duty.
Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce didn’t mince words, calling the situation “troubling and downright disgraceful.”
Cogdell was immediately placed on administrative leave and terminated once the department’s internal investigation wrapped. He had only been with Raleigh PD since May 2023.
Fired Raleigh Cop Allegedly Took DWI Suspect to His Home and Had Sex With Her While On-Duty
On October 3, 2025, the SBI arrested Cogdell and slapped him with multiple charges, including:
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Felony Obstruction of Justice
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Felony Sexual Misconduct with a Person in Custody
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Misdemeanor Willful Neglect of Duty
But now the FBI says this may not be just a state case.
Federal authorities believe Cogdell’s alleged actions could rise to civil rights violations, meaning abuse of authority under the color of law.
