In a recent case out of Birmingham, Alabama, the longest-serving member of the Alabama House of Representatives, John Rogers, was sentenced to 13 months in federal prison for federal conspiracy and obstruction of justice. Despite an earlier plea agreement that recommended a more lenient sentence to be served at home, prosecutors argued against it due to Rogers’ lack of memory regarding the obstruction charge.
Rogers, a Democrat first elected in 1982, was involved in a kickback scheme that diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars from a fund intended for community projects in Jefferson County. The scheme involved directing funds to a youth sports organization run by another lawmaker, Fred Plump, who then gave a portion of the money back to Rogers.
Both Plump and Rogers’ former aide, Varrie Johnson Kindall, received prison sentences for their roles in the scheme. Rogers admitted his guilt but faced a harsher sentence due to personally benefiting from the scheme.
During sentencing, U.S. District Judge Scott Coogler stated that Rogers was “more culpable” than others involved in the scheme. Rogers, who cited health concerns including prostate cancer and diabetes, expressed remorse for his actions in an emotional testimony to the court.
Rogers’ attorney expressed disagreement with the judge’s decision and indicated uncertainty about appealing the sentence. Despite his resignation and acceptance of responsibility, Rogers now faces over a year in prison for his involvement in the kickback scheme.
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Photo credit aldailynews.com
