
Longest-serving Alabama House member resigns after pleading guilty to federal charges
Alabama's longest-serving House member, John Rogers, resigned after pleading guilty to federal charges related to a kickback scheme. He faces home confinement and restitution.

John Rogers, the longest-serving member of the Alabama House of Representatives, has tendered his resignation after admitting guilt to federal conspiracy and obstruction of justice charges. The resignation, effective from last Wednesday, was confirmed by Clay Redden, a spokesman for the House of Representatives.
Charges and Plea Deal
Rogers, a Democrat from Birmingham, was first elected to the Alabama Legislature in 1982 and has now pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice. These charges are related to a kickback scheme that siphoned money from a fund meant for community projects in Jefferson County. Rogers agreed to resign as part of a plea deal with prosecutors, as he would have been ineligible to continue serving with a felony conviction on his record. He will be sentenced on July 26, and federal prosecutors are recommending 14 months of home confinement for Rogers. Additionally, he agreed to pay $197,950 in restitution as part of the plea deal.
Related Charges and Special Election
Former state Rep. Fred L. Plump, Jr. and Varrie Johnson Kindall, Rogers’ former assistant, have already pleaded guilty to charges related to the case. Federal prosecutors stated that between 2018 and 2022, Rogers directed $400,000 to a youth sports organization run by Plump. Subsequently, Plump gave around $200,000 of that money back to Rogers and Kindall. A special election will be held to fill Rogers' House seat.
Other Lawmakers and Criminal Charges
Rogers is the third Alabama lawmaker during this four-year term to agree to plead guilty to a criminal charge. Former state Rep. Fred L. Plump, Jr. resigned last year after pleading guilty to related charges. Furthermore, former state Rep. David Cole, a Republican from Huntsville, admitted guilt last year to a voter fraud charge, stating that he rented a space in a home to fraudulently run for office in a district where he did not reside.
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