LAUDERDALE LAKES, Fla. – State Rep. Hazelle Rogers, D-Lauderdale Lakes, discussed a criminal investigation into a $50,000 payment she received from a construction contractor.
In 2007, Rogers received $50,000 from former Miami Dolphins center Dwight Stephenson. Records showed Rogers -- then a Lauderdale Lakes commissioner -- voted to give Stephenson's firm a $7 million Broward County library contract in the same time period.
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During the May 15, 2007 meeting of the city's Community Redevelopment Agency, Rogers initially noted that she had a relationship with Stephenson and "would like to present the conflict of interest," according to minutes. But city records showed she never filed a required written conflict disclosure form, and those same minutes indicate that she was part of a unanimous voice vote.
"I would never sell out my office," Rogers told Local 10's Bob Norman.
Rogers said she did work for Stephenson in Miramar.
"Do I regret not crossing my i's and crossing my t's better? Anyone could say that. They're not perfect," said Rogers. "Let the courts decide."
In Oct. 2011, Stephenson didn't answer questions about the investigation.
The Broward State Attorney's Office continues to investigate.