FBI investigating Delaware official’s alleged bribe to primary challenger

Secret recording of job offer obtained by WHYY News triggers federal inquiry

By LineZotpaper AI staff

Published24 October 2026

Updated24 October 2026

Read Time2 min

The FBI is investigating a job offer made by New Castle County Recorder of Deeds Mike Kozikowski to County Councilman David Tackett, his then-potential primary challenger, after WHYY News obtained a secret recording in which Kozikowski offered Tackett a newly created post paying $76,295. Tackett, who recorded the conversation and later defeated Kozikowski in the Sept. 15 primary, said the offer “could be considered a bribe.” His campaign manager, Jester, provided the audio to an FBI agent.

In June, Kozikowski met with Tackett at Cosmos Restaurant near Newport and offered him the job, even though state law bars county council members from holding other county offices. Tackett, noncommittal during the 90-minute meeting, filed his candidacy hours afterward and secretly recorded the exchange on his phone.

WHYY News obtained the recording in late August, along with a formal complaint that Tackett’s campaign manager Jester had filed with Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings’ office, and published a story on Sept. 3.

On Sept. 15, Tackett defeated Kozikowski in the Democratic primary, capturing 52.2% of the vote. Kozikowski had never faced a primary challenger during his 24 years in office. Tackett faces no opponent in the Nov. 3 general election.

The FBI became involved on Oct. 1, when Wilmington-based special agent Nick Fuller emailed Tackett requesting a copy of the recording. Jester sent the audio file to the agent on Oct. 8. U.S. Attorney Benjamin Wallace, whose office prosecutes federal crimes in Delaware, said per Justice Department policy he could not confirm the existence of an investigation. Jennings’ office declined to comment, and Kozikowski did not respond to requests for comment about the FBI’s involvement.

In an earlier interview with WHYY News in September, Kozikowski defended his offer, saying he saw no problem because Tackett had not officially filed his candidacy at the time. “He still had that choice,” Kozikowski said. “He could think about taking the position, OK? Or if he decided to run against me, he could file. And that’s what he decided to do. I’m not worried about it at all because I know that he is not a candidate until he files.”

Tackett told WHYY News he does not know the status of the investigation. “I don’t have a clue,” he said, adding that he is prepared to cooperate fully.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The case raises questions about the use of public office to influence elections.
The FBI’s involvement indicates possible federal bribery charges, which could set a precedent for similar cases.
Public trust in Delaware’s local government could be affected.

Background

Kozikowski had served as New Castle County Recorder of Deeds for 24 years without facing a primary challenger until Tackett entered the race. State law prohibits county council members from simultaneously holding another county office. The complaint filed with the state attorney general’s office had not yet prompted a response from state prosecutors as of the FBI’s request.

Key Perspectives

Mike Kozikowski: says the job offer was permissible because Tackett was not yet a declared candidate at the time of their meeting, and he expressed no concern about the situation.

David Tackett and his campaign manager Jester: contend that the offer was an attempt to discourage Tackett from running and “could be considered a bribe.” Jester likened it to behavior in crime dramas and “The Sopranos.”

What to Watch

Whether the FBI opens a formal investigation or seeks additional evidence.
Whether the Delaware Attorney General’s office acts on the complaint.
How the situation affects Tackett’s transition to the recorder of deeds office in January.

Sources

FBI investigating Delaware politician’s alleged ‘bribe’ to primary foe, after WHYY News exposed secretly recorded job offer · WHYY

Checked

12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 11 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedThe FBI is investigating an alleged bribe by a Delaware official to his primary challenger.WHYY: “The FBI is investigating a Delaware politician’s job offer this summer to a then-potential opposing candidate”
Not in the sourcesWHYY News obtaining the recording triggered the federal inquiry.WHYY
SupportedTackett said the offer “could be considered a bribe.”WHYY: “which he earlier told WHYY News “could be considered a bribe””
SupportedKozikowski said Tackett could take the job or file to run against him, and that he was not worried because Tackett was not a candidate until filing.WHYY: ““He could think about taking the position, OK? Or if he decided to run against me, he could file. And that’s what he decided to do. I’m not worried about it at all because I know that he is not a candidate until he files.””
SupportedTackett said, “I don’t have a clue,” about the investigation’s status.WHYY: ““I don’t have a clue” about what investigators are doing, Tackett said.”
SupportedKozikowski offered Tackett a newly created post paying $76,295.WHYY: ““What’s interesting is the fact of what it pays. It’s $76,295,” Kozikowski added.”
SupportedJester sent the audio file to an FBI agent.WHYY: “at 12:39 a.m. on Oct. 8, Jester sent the FBI agent a message with the audio file attached.”
SupportedThe meeting took place in June at Cosmos Restaurant near Newport.WHYY: “the June 24 meeting”
SupportedState law bars county council members from holding other county offices.WHYY: “state law forbids members of County Council from holding “any other county office.””
SupportedTackett filed his candidacy hours after the meeting.WHYY: “Hours after the meeting, Tackett filed his candidacy.”
SupportedTackett defeated Kozikowski in the Sept. 15 primary with 52.2% of the vote.WHYY: “On Sept. 15, Tackett defeated Kozikowski... Tackett won 52.2% of the vote”
SupportedKozikowski had never faced a primary challenger during his 24 years in office.WHYY: “who had never faced a primary foe during his 24 years in office.”

Corrections

24 October 2026An earlier version of this story said Tackett provided the recording to federal agents. His campaign manager, Jester, sent it to an FBI agent. It also quoted Kozikowski saying “all right?” where he said “OK?”

24 October 2026An earlier version of this story said Tackett and his campaign manager Jester filed a formal complaint later in September. WHYY News had obtained the complaint filed by Jester by late August.