Rep. John Rogers’ codefendant pleads guilty in federal kickback scheme

TUSCSALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) - Varrie Johnson Kindall pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and obstruction of justice Monday.

By pleading guilty, she admitted to her role in a federal kickback scheme where she financially benefited from nearly $200,000 local tax dollars allocated from the Jefferson County Community Service Fund, according to court records.

Twenty-two counts against Johnson were dropped as a result of taking this plea. Kindall will repay nearly $200,000 to the Jefferson County Community Service Fund and nearly $50,000 to the IRS.

Court records allege Rep. John Rogers used his position to direct local funds to Piper Davis, a Birmingham youth baseball organization run by former state representative Fred Plump. Plump, who also pleaded guilty in this case, kicked half the money back to Johnson and Rogers, which was deposited into Johnson’s personal account and used for personal expenses.

In October 2023, Kindall previously entered a not guilty plea.

Rogers has adamantly maintained he would not plead guilty in this case nor resign from office. He’s currently indicted on 20 counts.

Judge L. Scott Coogler heard the case at the Federal Building & Courthouse in Tuscsaloosa.

WBRC LATEST VIDEO

Get news alerts in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter here.