State representative accused of funneling taxpayer dollars for non-profit to mistress
State Representative Fred Plump Jr. (D-District 55) will resign from his position with the Alabama House of Representatives, according to Plump's Attorney, after being charged with federal conspiracy and obstruction.
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The charges relate to his role with the Piper Davis Baseball League, where Plump is the executive director.
According to court documents, Plump is accused of directing $200,000 to his mistress over a four year period. The payments were allegedly for a dance team, that doesn't exist.
Alabama State Representative John Rogers is listed on the executive board for the non-profit. Rogers confirmed to ABC 33/40 Tuesday, his assistant is the unnamed woman identified as Plump's mistress.
"I asked him last week what the hell was going on and we didn't have a chance to talk," Rogers said Tuesday.
On the website for Piper Davis Baseball League, there's a list of names under the executive board and board of directors. According to the webpage, it hasn't been updated since March of 2021.
Rogers' name is spelled incorrectly on that list.
We were able to reach two of the board of directors by phone, who both live out of state. Those people confirmed they are on the board, but were unaware of the charges against Plump. They were shocked when they were told what was going on.
U.S. Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-07) is listed under the executive board.
Sewell released the following statement:
The charges levied against Mr. Plump are serious and very troubling. I have no recollection of agreeing to serve on the Piper Davis Baseball League Board of Directors nor have I ever attended a board meeting or participated in any of its activities. I have donated to the Baseball League to support Birmingham’s at-risk youth. It is incredibly disheartening to think that an organization with such an important mission would be used for such nefarious purposes. The taxpayers of Alabama deserve full transparency and accountability.
According to the plea agreement filed Tuesday, Plump agreed to plead guilty to the charges, pay restitution of at least $200,000 to the Fund, and resign from office immediately upon entering his guilty plea.
His arraignment is set for June 15, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. at Hugo Black US Courthouse.
