Former Virginia sheriff who abused power for personal gain sentenced to 10 years in federal prison
Culpeper, Virginia – The former sheriff of Culpeper County, Scott Howard Jenkins, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for accepting more than $75,000 in bribes in exchange for appointing unqualified individuals as auxiliary deputy sheriffs. The sentence follows a December 2024 jury conviction where Jenkins, 53, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy, four counts of honest services fraud, and seven counts of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds.
A Cash-for-Badges Operation Uncovered
Federal investigators revealed that Jenkins engaged in a “cash-for-badges” operation, using his authority to sell law enforcement credentials to Northern Virginia businessmen, including Rick Rahim, Fredric Gumbinner, and James Metcalf, as well as at least five others, two of whom were FBI undercover agents. In return for cash and campaign contributions, Jenkins granted each bribe-giver the title of auxiliary deputy sheriff, complete with badges and credentials from the Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office.
The individuals appointed to these sworn law enforcement positions were neither trained nor vetted, and none of them provided any real service to the Sheriff’s Office or the people of Culpeper County.
“Scott Jenkins violated his oath of office and the faith the citizens of Culpeper County placed in him when he engaged in a cash-for-badges scheme,” said Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee.
“We hold our elected law enforcement officials to a higher standard of conduct and this case proves that when those officials use their authority for unjust personal enrichment, the Department of Justice will hold them accountable. I am grateful to the FBI for their tireless work on this investigation.”
Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, added:
“Every law enforcement officer takes an oath to serve and protect the community– that includes following the law they’ve sworn to uphold. I am proud of the diligent work our investigative team did on this case to bring Jenkins to justice.”
The investigation further revealed that Jenkins pressured local officials to approve a firearm rights petition for Rick Rahim, a convicted felon, falsely stating that Rahim lived in Culpeper County to push the request through court.
Rahim, Gumbinner, and Metcalf have all pleaded guilty for their involvement in the scheme, which has exposed a disturbing breach of trust and corruption within a law enforcement office that was supposed to serve and protect.
