Fred Plump last month resigned his seat in the state legislature and pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy and obstruction of justice. He’s scheduled to appear in federal court later this month for sentencing. Here's how it all allegedly worked.
The scheme was complicated, with piles of tax money flowing from Jefferson County to a youth baseball league, then to a dance team, which prosecutors say never performed, and finally into personal bank accounts, credit cards and mortgage payments., who reference three key people behind the recent scandal. But so far the prosecutors have charged only one with a crime.
“I trust her, and whatever Fred and her did, that’s their business. I don’t know anything about it,” Rogers, D-Birmingham, told AL.com. “He’s supposed to do what he’s supposed to do with it. If he doesn’t, then he’s in trouble. I guarantee you I haven’t done a damn thing.” While she is not listed as a legislative employee in state records, Rogers told AL.com he employs Johnson and pays her privately to assist him with both public and private matters.
The money came from something called the Jefferson County Community Service Fund, a pool of tax money to support local causes. The fund was created by the state legislature in 2015 to allow the Jefferson County Commission to collect a 1 percent sales tax and use tax, so local legislators could dole out about $3.6 million annually to schools, libraries, police departments and youth sports. The fund began giving out grants in 2018.
The plea agreement also says Legislator #1, whom Rogers identified as himself, was to receive a cut of the money. Rogers recommended roughly 80 percent of his allocations from the community service fund go to Plump’s baseball league, according to the community service fund’s records. He did so on forms that required him to certify he hadn’t asked for “anything of value” in exchange for the recommendation and that the funds’ use would qualify under its legislated purposes.
As far as broader questions about the scheme, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney in Birmingham did not respond to a request for comment.
Argentina Últimas Noticias, Argentina Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Summer concerts 2023: Your guide to 50+ shows in BirminghamThey're plenty of music to keep you entertained in Birmingham this summer, from foofighters to KillerMike, JacksonBrowne to switchfoot, Tyrese TreySongz & Ginuwine, BenFolds, YonderMountain and more.
Leer más »
3 people shot, injured in Philadelphia shooting; 2 victims arrive at hospital in stolen carTwo men with gunshot wounds arrived at Jefferson Torresdale Hospital in a stolen vehicle.
Leer más »
Birmingham’s Freedom Fest returning to Kelly Ingram Park after 3-year hiatusAfter a three-year hiatus, Freedom Fest will return to an in-person experience in the heart of Birmingham’s civil rights district. The Magic City’s day-long music and empowerment festival will again take place in Kelly Ingram Park Saturday, July 29.
Leer más »
Birmingham’s best burgers: Our Top 5The market for top-shelf burgers has boomed in Birmingham.
Leer más »
At 21, Birmingham student owns a house he flipped through BuildUPBuildUP Community School, a private workforce development high school that started in 2017, recently congratulated its first student to reach the school’s goal of homeownership.
Leer más »
Venus Williams, age 43 and ranked No. 697, pulls off surprising win at Birmingham ClassicAt age 43 and ranked No. 697, Venus Williams isn’t done quite yet - especially on her favored surface of grass.
Leer más »