One of the longest serving members of the Alabama Legislature has been jailed after having his bond revoked in a federal corruption probe that has already seen one member of the Alabama House of Representatives plead guilty.
On Monday, State Rep. John Rogers (D-Birmingham) had his bond revoked by a federal judge for allegedly making contact with witnesses in violation of his bond agreement. Federal marshals reportedly picked up Rogers and placed him in custody.
Rogers, who was elected in 1982, has been charged in a corruption scandal that allegedly involved stealing $200,000 from underprivileged children in a recreational baseball league. In September, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Birmingham announced two indictments against Rogers for obstruction of justice. Rogers has pleaded not guilty.
According to his September indictment, Rogers was authorized to spend $500,000 by the Jefferson County Community Service Fund between 2018 and 2022. This money was supposed to be used for Jefferson County programs. Rogers, at his discretion, appropriated $400,000 to the Piper Davis Youth Baseball League which was run by Fred “Coach” Plump – age 76.
Former State Rep. Fred “Coach” Plump in May admitted in federal court that he paid $200,000 of that money to Varrie Johnson Kindall – Rogers’ longtime legislative assistant.
In May, Plump pleaded guilty, resigned from office and agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors. In his federal filings, Plump admitted having a romantic relationship with Kindall.
Voters in Plump’s House District 55 last week elected Travis Hendrix (D) to fill the vacancy.
Under Alabama law, a conviction or plea to either of the charges would automatically remove Rogers from office.
There will be a hearing on Thursday to consider the issue of Rogers’ alleged unauthorized contact with witnesses.
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