Republican Party denounces corruption by Jefferson County Democrats as another State Representative pleads guilty in federal corruption probe

On Monday, State Representative John Rogers (D-Alabama) pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges for his involvement in a kickback conspiracy that involved former Rep. Fred Plump (D-Fairfield) and Rogers' longtime legislative assistant Varrie Johnson Kindall. Plump and Kindall had already pled guilty to their role in defrauding the children of the Piper Davis Recreational League of $200,000 of tax dollars in a kickback scheme.

On Tuesday, the Alabama and Jefferson County Republican Parties released a statement calling out Jefferson County's Democrat Party for corruption within its ranks, following the news that Rep. Rogers will be the latest Democrat elected official in that county to resign in disgrace.

"This is the third Jefferson County Democrat elected official who was removed from office in less than a year and I suspect this won't be the last," said Jefferson County Republican Party Chairman Chris Brown. "The Democrats in our County have become synonymous with corruption and incompetence. This November, the contrast will not be clearer: Republicans who will represent us with ethical integrity or Democrats who will continue their track record of lining their own pockets against the people's best interests."

Former Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Tracie Todd was forced to resign after being convicted of violating judicial ethics. She was suspended from the bench two previous times.

"The mounting concerns over corruption within the Jefferson County Democrat Party are incredibly troubling," said Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl. "The people of Jefferson County deserve ethical and accountable leadership from their elected officials. The Alabama Republican Party is committed to fostering a government that truly serves the people they represent, not their own personal interests. It's time to put the people first in Jefferson County. I am proud of the work our county Republican Party is doing to build relationships and trust within the diverse communities of Jefferson County and ensure we stand for the rights and freedoms of each individual."

On Monday, U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples, and Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman announced the plea deal in a joint statement.

Rogers, 83, of Birmingham, agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice. Rogers has also agreed to resign from the Alabama House of Representatives after serving in office since 1984.

Rogers' seat in the Alabama House of Representatives will be filled in a special election, the date of which will be set by the Governor. Rogers' conviction was expected so the Jefferson County GOP has been actively searching for a candidate to run for Rogers' soon to be vacated House District 52 seat in the Alabama House of Representatives.

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