Alabama lawmaker, who has served for a long time, might be on his way to federal prison.
According to court records, John Rogers was involved in a federal kickback scheme that resulted in the misuse of Jefferson County tax dollars. He had served in the Alabama House for 40 years, but his last term was cut short when he pleaded guilty to his role in the scheme.
According to the latest reports, Rogers has violated the terms of his plea agreement, which would have allowed him to serve a 14-month sentence on home confinement. As a result, prosecutors are now pushing for him to serve his time in prison instead.
The Jefferson County Community Action Fund is at the center of this case. Its purpose was to generate new taxes from 2017 onwards to fund local students and school construction. According to court records, two state lawmakers, John Rogers and Fred Plump, along with Rogers’ romantic interest and associate Varrie Johnson Kindall, used their authority to direct grant money to Plump’s youth baseball team, Piper Davis, for several years. Plump would then give half of the proceeds back to Rogers and Kindall, who would use the money for their personal expenses.
According to the prosecutors’ sentencing memorandum, Rogers did not fulfill his promise of using the fund’s money to help inner city kids learn to play baseball. Instead, he stole $200,000 from the fund to support himself and his lover. This act of greed not only deprived other worthy charities but also contributed to the downfall of Piper Davis.
As per the plea agreement, Rogers had to acknowledge his involvement in the conspiracy, which was clearly stated in the court documents he signed. This meant confessing that he had persuaded Kindall to take full responsibility for the kickback scheme and falsely testify that he was not involved. In return, he promised to pay for her mortgage and take care of her children if she was incarcerated. According to the records, Kindall complied with the plan and informed the authorities in May 2023 that Rogers was unaware of her acceptance of kickbacks from Plump.
The defense attorney of Rogers has filed an objection to the presentence investigative report. The report is not public, and the attorney mentioned that the defendant has no recollection of making the promise. However, the defendant has acknowledged that the information regarding the promise is included in the factual basis of his plea agreement. Additionally, he has also signed the factual basis and admitted in open court that it was substantially correct.
According to the government, Rogers’ filing and assertion is a violation of the plea agreement, and as a result, he should serve his 14-month sentence in prison.
According to Rogers’ attorney, the claim that Rogers breached his agreement is unfounded. The attorney has filed a motion requesting a hearing before the sentencing to determine whether the plea agreement will be upheld.
The government has requested that Rogers pay almost $400,000 in restitution and forfeiture fees, and his sentencing is set for July 30th.
