Scott Howard Jenkins, the former sheriff of Culpeper County, Virginia, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for accepting over $75,000 in bribes in exchange for appointing businessmen as auxiliary deputy sheriffs.
The sentencing, handed down today, follows Jenkins’ conviction in December 2024. A jury found him guilty of one count of conspiracy, four counts of honest services fraud, and seven counts of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds.
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Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee condemned Jenkins’ actions, stating, “Scott Jenkins violated his oath of office and the faith the citizens of Culpeper County placed in him when he engaged in a cash-for-badges scheme. We hold our elected law enforcement officials to a higher standard of conduct and this case proves that when those officials use their authority for unjust personal enrichment, the Department of Justice will hold them accountable.”
Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, Stanley M. Meador, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of upholding the law.
Evidence presented at trial revealed that Jenkins accepted cash bribes and campaign contributions from co-defendants Rick Rahim, Fredric Gumbinner, and James Metcalf, as well as at least five others, including two FBI undercover agents.
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In return, Jenkins appointed these individuals as auxiliary deputy sheriffs, a sworn law-enforcement position, and provided them with official Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office badges and credentials. These appointees were not trained or vetted and provided no legitimate services to the Sheriff’s Office or the citizens of Culpeper County.
Furthermore, Jenkins pressured local officials to approve a petition filed by Rahim, a convicted felon, to restore his right to possess a firearm. The petition falsely stated that Rahim resided in Culpeper County.
Rahim, Gumbinner, and Metcalf have all pleaded guilty for their roles in the conspiracy.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie Smith for the Western District of Virginia and Trial Attorneys Celia Ch.
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