Former Culpeper County Sheriff, Scott Howard Jenkins, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for accepting bribes totaling over $75,000. Jenkins was convicted of conspiracy, fraud, and bribery charges in December 2024. Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee stated that Jenkins violated his oath of office and the trust of Culpeper County citizens by engaging in a cash-for-badges scheme.
The FBI worked tirelessly on the investigation, with Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador emphasizing the importance of law enforcement officials upholding the law they swore to protect. Jenkins accepted bribes from multiple individuals, including campaign contributions, in exchange for appointing them as auxiliary deputy sheriffs without proper training or vetting.
Co-defendants Rick Rahim, Fredric Gumbinner, and James Metcalf, along with at least five others, were involved in the conspiracy and have pleaded guilty. Jenkins also pressured local officials to approve a petition for Rahim, a convicted felon, to restore his firearm possession rights, falsely claiming he resided in Culpeper County. The Department of Justice stressed the importance of holding elected officials accountable for unjust personal enrichment.
The case serves as a reminder that those in positions of authority must uphold a higher standard of conduct. Jenkins’ actions not only betrayed the community’s trust but also undermined the integrity of law enforcement. The sentencing of Jenkins sends a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated in Culpeper County.
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