FORT WAYNE, IND. (AP) - Authorities have raided northeast Indiana properties owned by former New York Jets offensive lineman Jason Fabini and his brother, but the retired player said he’s not the focus of the investigation.
Federal, state and local officers with the Safe Streets Task Force raided a Fort Wayne property owned by Jason Fabini, a home owned by his brother, Michael Fabini, and five other area properties Thursday.
FBI Special Agent David Crawford declined Friday to say why the properties were raided, saying only that there was “investigative activity” going on there. The task force focuses on combatting illegal drugs and violent crime.
There was no record of any charges or indictments involving either of the Fabinis on the online federal court docket.
Jason Fabini issued a statement through his attorney Thursday saying he wasn’t the target of the investigation and wasn’t involved in criminal activities.
“I have cooperated fully with authorities, and will continue to do so. I have not been charged, nor do I expect to be charged with a crime,” he said. “I expect the community will have many questions as rumors circulate and this investigation continues, but I ask that we trust in the authorities to do their job.”
Local news outlets reported that officers were seen carrying items out of Michael Fabini’s house in an upscale subdivision and loading them into trucks. At least one police dog also took part in the search, although authorities declined to say what it was trained to find. Several police vehicles and FBI agents remained at the home through most of Thursday as neighbors and television news trucks stood watch nearby.
The Journal Gazette, citing Allen County property records, reported that Michael Fabini’s home had been substantially expanded in recent years to more than 7,500 feet, including nearly 3,700 in the basement alone. Security cameras are clearly visible at the corners of the house.
Fabini played 11 NFL seasons, including eight for the Jets, who selected him in the fourth round of the 1998 draft. He played one season for the Dallas Cowboys and his last two for the Washington Redskins. He last played in 2008.
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