Scott Howard Jenkins, the former sheriff of Culpeper County, Virginia, was sentenced Friday to 10 years in federal prison for accepting more than $75,000 in bribes. In exchange, Jenkins appointed several businessmen as auxiliary deputy sheriffs, despite their lack of law enforcement training and qualifications.
Jenkins, 53, was convicted in December 2024 of one count of conspiracy, four counts of honest services fraud, and seven counts of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia, Jenkins received cash payments and campaign contributions from Rick Rahim, and at least seven other individuals, including two undercover FBI agents.
In return for the bribes, Jenkins issued sheriff’s office badges and appointed the payors as auxiliary deputy sheriffs, which granted them access to official law enforcement credentials without having completed necessary training or community service. The investigation also revealed Jenkins pressured local officials to support a false petition in an effort to restore Rahim’s rights to possess a firearm.
Acting U.S. 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.”
Rahim, the businessman who played a key role in the conspiracy, pleaded guilty for his involvement in the corruption.
Jenkins’ sentencing serves as a reminder that public officials who betray the trust of the people they serve will face significant legal consequences.
