John Rogers sentenced to 13 months in federal prison

August 1, 2024, former State Rep. John Rogers (R-Birmingham) was sentenced to 13 months in federal prison for his role in a scheme to defraud underprivileged children.

Rogers admitted in his plea agreement to having awarded $400,000 in Jefferson County Community Service dollars to the Piper Davis recreational league run by "Coach" Fred Plump. Instead of the money going to the underprivileged children Plump (who was elected to the Alabama Legislature himself in 2022 with Rogers' endorsement) kickbacked half the money to Rogers and his then girlfriend and longtime legislative assistant Varrie Johnson Kindall.

U.S. District Judge Scott Coogler sentenced Rogers to 13 months in a federal penitentiary and then serve three years of supervised release. He also must repay $197,950 to the Jefferson County Community Service Fund.

Rogers pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Rogers must report to prison by September 3.

Rogers had served in the Alabama Legislature since 1982.

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