Trump Pardons Former Culpeper Sheriff Convicted Bribery Scheme

President Donald Trump issued a full pardon to former Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins, who was convicted last year for accepting more than $75,000 in bribes in a "cash-for-badges" scheme that involved deputizing untrained individuals in exchange for payments. Jenkins was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after his conviction on multiple counts including conspiracy, honest services fraud, and bribery related to programs receiving federal funds. Prosecutors and a federal judge highlighted Jenkins' violation of his oath and the public's trust, with evidence including cash payments from undercover FBI agents and financial records showing Jenkins spent beyond his means. Jenkins and Trump both described the prosecution as politically motivated and blamed what they called a "corrupt and weaponized Biden DOJ" and liberal judges for blocking exculpatory evidence and unfairly targeting Jenkins. Trump praised Jenkins as a victim of radical left persecution and stated that Jenkins would have a "wonderful and productive life" instead of serving prison time. The pardon ended the legal battle and upcoming incarceration that Jenkins faced, despite strong federal opposition and public condemnation from the U.S. Attorney's Office.