October 4, 2025

Former Raleigh Police Officer Charged with Misconduct

News Summary

Tremale Cogdell, a former police officer in Raleigh, faces multiple charges, including sexual misconduct and obstruction of justice, stemming from incidents during his service. An internal review and community concerns have followed the investigation by the SBI, which revealed serious allegations against him.

Raleigh, North Carolina — Former Police Officer Charged with Sexual Misconduct and Obstruction of Justice

A former police officer in Raleigh, Tremale Cogdell, age 28, has been formally charged with multiple criminal offenses, including felony obstruction of justice, felony sexual misconduct of a person in custody, and misdemeanor willful neglect of duties. The charges stem from incidents that occurred during his tenure with the Raleigh Police Department, prompting an internal review and widespread concern within the community.

Background of the Charges

The allegations became public following an investigation initiated by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). The SBI notified Raleigh Police Department officials about their probe on September 26, 2025, leading to Cogdell being placed on administrative leave that same day. The officer was subsequently terminated from the department on October 3, 2025.

The incident that led to the charges reportedly took place on September 12, 2025, during a crash investigation. It is alleged that Cogdell, while on duty, encountered a female victim at the scene. According to court documents, after completing the initial crash investigation, Cogdell drove the victim to her personal residence using his police vehicle. It is claimed that a sexual encounter occurred during this ride, in on-duty status.

Details of the Allegations

The criminal filings allege that Cogdell engaged in misconduct beyond the sexual encounter. Specifically, he is accused of obstructing justice by not conducting and charging a driving while impaired (DWI) investigation. Prosecutors say this omission was done “in secrecy and malice,” in exchange for sexual acts, which violates both sexual misconduct and obstruction statutes.

Authorities have emphasized that these alleged actions constitute serious breaches of professional conduct and criminal law, and they are actively investigating whether there are previous cases handled by Cogdell that might have been compromised or mishandled.

Official Response and Community Impact

Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce responded publicly to the incident, expressing anger and disappointment over the misconduct. The chief described the situation as both troubling and disgraceful, indicating that such actions tarnish the reputation of the entire police department. He also publicly praised the victim for coming forward and offered support to her and her family.

Chief Boyce reassured the community that the department remains committed to accountability and transparency. An internal investigation is underway in conjunction with the SBI’s efforts to thoroughly review Cogdell’s conduct and past cases. The police department also emphasized that officers often provide rides to individuals involved in vehicle crashes, but declined to disclose specific details surrounding the crash that is central to this case.

Court Proceedings and Detention

Cogdell is currently being held at the Wake County Detention Center on a bond set at $30,000. He is scheduled to appear in court at 1:30 p.m. on the following Monday. The department’s internal review and the criminal case against Cogdell are ongoing.

Legal Representation and Further Investigations

An attorney representing the victim has raised concerns about potential previous misconduct by Cogdell. The legal team has encouraged other possible victims to come forward, stressing the importance of transparency and accountability.

In response to the situation, the Raleigh Police Department is reviewing prior investigations handled by Cogdell. This effort aims to ensure the integrity of past cases and restore public trust. The department reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining high standards of professionalism and integrity among its officers.

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Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER

RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.

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