Former Virginia Sheriff Scott Jenkins Sentenced to 10 Years for Bribery

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 to appoint businessmen as auxiliary deputy sheriffs. Jenkins was convicted in December 2024 on multiple counts including conspiracy and bribery. His actions, described as a 'cash-for-badges' scheme, involved providing official badges to untrained individuals in exchange for cash and campaign contributions. Prosecutors highlighted the betrayal of public trust, with U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Lee stressing the need for accountability among elected officials. The investigation was aided by an informant who recorded Jenkins accepting bribes from undercover FBI agents. Jenkins's co-defendants have also pleaded guilty for their involvement in the conspiracy.