John Rogers Resigns After Pleading Guilty to Federal Conspiracy Charges in Grant Scandal

John Rogers, the longest-serving member of the Alabama House of Representatives, has officially resigned following a guilty plea to federal charges related to a grant fraud scheme. Rogers, 83, a Democrat from Birmingham, pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges involving wire fraud, mail fraud, and obstruction of justice in connection with a scheme that diverted funds intended for community projects in Jefferson County.

Rogers submitted his resignation last Wednesday, confirmed by House spokesperson Clay Redden. His decision came as part of a plea deal with federal prosecutors. The charges stem from a kickback operation where Rogers, between 2018 and 2022, allegedly directed $400,000 to a youth sports organisation run by former state representative Fred L. Plump, Jr. In return, Plump and Rogers’ former assistant, Varrie Johnson Kindall, gave approximately $200,000 back to Rogers and Kindall.

The charges were related to a diversion of funds meant for community development, and Rogers agreed to pay $197,950 in restitution as part of the plea agreement. He is scheduled for sentencing on July 26, with prosecutors recommending 14 months of home confinement.

Rogers, who has served in the Alabama Legislature since 1982, would have been ineligible to continue his position with a felony conviction. His resignation marks the third case of an Alabama lawmaker pleading guilty to criminal charges during the current legislative term. Last year, former Rep. Fred L. Plump resigned after pleading guilty to similar charges, and former Rep. David Cole, a Republican, pleaded guilty to voter fraud charges.

A special election will be held to fill Rogers’ vacant seat in the House of Representatives.