CULPEPER COUNTY, Va. — Former Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins was sentenced on March 21 to 10 years in federal prison for accepting over $75,000 in bribes as part of a “cash-for-badges” scheme, WTOP reported.
Jenkins, 53, was convicted in December 2024 on multiple counts, including conspiracy, honest services fraud and bribery related to federally funded programs, according to the report. Prosecutors said he accepted cash and campaign contributions in exchange for appointing unqualified individuals as auxiliary deputy sheriffs.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia, Jenkins accepted bribes from at least eight individuals. Two undercover FBI agents who testified at trial said they paid Jenkins $5,000 and $10,000 in cash before being sworn in as auxiliary deputies, according to the report.
None of the appointees were properly trained or vetted.
“This case proves that when elected law enforcement officials use their authority for unjust personal enrichment, the Department of Justice will hold them accountable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Lee.
Are you doing anything that tarnishes the badge? In the video below, Gordon Graham discusses the importance of behaving in a manner that does not discredit your agency or tarnish the badge
