BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBMA) — Former State Representative Fred Plump Jr. and Varrie Johnson, the aide to former Representative John Rogers, have both been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty in a scheme to defraud the Jefferson County Community Service Fund. The funds, intended for the Piper Davis youth baseball league, were funneled to a non-existent dance team.
During the sentencing in federal court on Friday, both defendants appeared before Judge Scott Coogler. Plump was visibly emotional as he listened to his attorneys and expressed his remorse. “To this court, my family, and the citizens of Jefferson County, I sincerely apologize for the wrong choices and actions I made,” he said, tearfully admitting he had been “led astray.”
His defense team highlighted his military service, years of community work, and lack of personal gain from the scheme, which influenced the judge’s decision. Ultimately, Plump received a sentence of 12 months and one day in prison, along with a restitution payment of $196,150.45, plus interest. After serving his time, he will face three years of supervised release.
Johnson’s sentencing followed, and she was ordered to repay nearly $198,000 for her involvement in the kickback scheme. She received a longer sentence of 36 months in prison due to a prior admission of benefit fraud, where she used her deceased mother’s identity for financial gain. Johnson expressed her remorse in court, acknowledging her responsibilities.
Federal prosecutors argued that she abused her position of trust and loyalty to a corrupt legislator. Both defendants have 30 days to report to prison, with their deadline set for August 26. Meanwhile, former state representative John Rogers awaits his sentencing related to the same scheme, scheduled for next week.