Alabama state Representative John Rogers, a Democratic leader from Birmingham, was indicted this week on new felony counts in an ongoing public corruption investigation by federal prosecutors.
These new charges add on to earlier obstruction charges relating to a previous fraud scheme, prosecutors said. Rogers had been arrested in October.
The new 11-count indictment accuses the 83-year-old Rogers of wire fraud, mail fraud, bribery, obstruction of justice, and false statements.
The charges stem from an alleged kickback scheme related to $400,000 for the Jefferson County Community Service Fund, money designated for a non-profit youth baseball league between 2018-2022 led by former Representative Fred Plump.
Investigators claim Plump gave around half of that amount as kickbacks to Rogers and his assistant, Varrie Johnson Kindall. Plump pleaded guilty to related conspiracy counts this June before resigning his seat.
The U.S. Attorney alleges Rogers and Kindall sought to cover up the arrangement once learning of investigations into their finances. This included attempting to bribe and influence a witness to provide misleading information to federal agents.
Prosecutors also claim Kindall agreed to falsely exonerate Rogers of involvement in exchange for promised assistance with personal matters should she face imprisonment.
Rogers allegedly told Kindall to reiterate these false statements to authorities in May.
If convicted on all charges, Rogers could potentially face a total of 100 years behind bars according to the total maximum sentences, according to 1819News.
The maximum penalty for the fraud conspiracy and substantive fraud counts is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for conspiracy to obstruct justice is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for obstruction of justice is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for obstruction of justice by bribery is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for making a false statement is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Through his legal representative, Rogers has maintained his innocence and said he will be exonerated.
The Horn editorial team