Former Culpeper County Sheriff found guilty in $75,000 bribery scheme involving deputy appointments
Charlottesville, Virginia – A jury in Charlottesville has convicted former Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Howard Jenkins, 53, of multiple charges related to accepting over $75,000 in bribes in exchange for appointing individuals as auxiliary deputy sheriffs. The verdict was announced after a trial that exposed corruption within the sheriff’s office.
Bribery in Exchange for Law Enforcement Appointments
Court documents and trial evidence revealed that Jenkins accepted cash bribes and campaign contributions from co-defendants Rick Rahim, Fredric Gumbinner, James Metcalf, and others, including undercover FBI agents. In return, Jenkins granted these individuals auxiliary deputy sheriff appointments, complete with official badges and credentials from the Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office. The individuals receiving these appointments were neither vetted nor trained, nor did they provide legitimate services to the Sheriff’s Office.
Among the more alarming allegations was Jenkins’ assistance to Rahim, a convicted felon, in petitioning the Culpeper County Circuit Court to restore Rahim’s right to possess a firearm. Jenkins pressured local officials to approve the petition, which falsely claimed that Rahim resided in Culpeper County.
Multiple Convictions and Potential Sentencing
Jenkins was convicted on one count of conspiracy, four counts of honest services fraud, and seven counts of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. He faces severe penalties, including up to five years in prison for conspiracy, 20 years for each honest services fraud count, and 10 years for each bribery count. Sentencing is scheduled for March 31, 2025.
The case against Jenkins also implicated Rahim, Gumbinner, and Metcalf, all of whom have pleaded guilty for their roles in the bribery scheme. They are awaiting sentencing.
Federal Investigation and Prosecution
The FBI’s Richmond Field Office and Charlottesville Resident Agency conducted the investigation. U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh for the Western District of Virginia, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stanley M. Meador announced the conviction.
The prosecution team included Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie Smith and Trial Attorneys Celia Choy and Lina Peng from the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section.
