Alabama House's Longest-Serving Member Resigns After Pleading Guilty to Federal Charges

Alabama's longest-serving House member, John Rogers, has resigned after pleading guilty to federal conspiracy and obstruction of justice charges related to a kickback scheme diverting money from a grant program. He directed funds to a youth sports organization and received a portion back. Rogers, who was first elected in 1982, will be sentenced on July 26 and faces 14 months of home confinement and restitution. A special election will be held to fill his seat, making him the third Alabama lawmaker to plead guilty to a criminal charge in the current term.