Alabama Representative John Rogers Faces: Alabama Representative John Rogers faces jail time after a federal judge found him in violation of his bond conditions. The judge’s decision comes following allegations that Rogers attempted to influence a witness in his bribery case by FaceTime calling the founder of a nonprofit organization. Rogers is accused of asking the founder to lie to the FBI about a kickback scheme involving public tax dollars.
The court had explicitly prohibited Rogers from contacting anyone associated with his case, making the alleged FaceTime call a clear breach of his bond conditions. Federal prosecutors argue that Rogers’ actions warrant his detention pending further court proceedings.
Rogers, a veteran in the Alabama legislature for over four decades, denies attempting to contact the nonprofit founder. His defense attorney claims it was an erroneous phone call made by someone else. The nonprofit founder, identified as George Stewart, is the founder of the American Gospel Quartet Convention, a music nonprofit based in Birmingham.
In addition to the obstruction of justice charge, Rogers is accused of diverting money from a community service fund to the nonprofit organization, a claim he denies. Varrie Johnson Kindall, Rogers’ longtime assistant, is also implicated in the case, facing charges such as conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, wire fraud, and obstruction of justice.
Rogers’ defense attorney has requested a hearing to present evidence regarding the alleged contact with the nonprofit founder. Meanwhile, Rogers has been ordered into custody, with his attorney delivering his medication to the U.S. Marshals. A hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
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