Former Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins just caught a major break, thanks to Donald Trump.
Jenkins, who was set to serve a 10-year sentence for a bribery scheme that turned his Virginia sheriff’s office into a pay-to-play operation, received a full presidential pardon from Trump on Monday. The last-minute move wiped his record clean just as he was about to report to prison.
Jenkins was convicted in late 2024 on charges including conspiracy, fraud, and bribery. Federal prosecutors said he accepted over $70,000 in bribes, both in cash and campaign donations—from several men, including two undercover FBI agents. In exchange, he handed out law enforcement badges and credentials, even to individuals with criminal records or zero law enforcement experience.
One of those individuals was reportedly a convicted felon who Jenkins allegedly tried to help regain his gun rights, despite the law.
Three others involved in the scheme pleaded guilty before Jenkins was convicted. Prosecutors said the former sheriff violated the public’s trust and sold out his badge for personal gain.
But Trump saw it differently. He called Jenkins a victim of a “corrupt and weaponized” Justice Department, accusing Biden’s DOJ and a judge appointed by him of shutting down evidence that could’ve cleared Jenkins. Trump described the former sheriff and his family as having been “dragged through hell.”
This isn’t the first time Trump’s used his pardon powers to make headlines. He’s already granted clemency to several controversial figures, including those tied to the January 6th Capitol riot.
Now, Jenkins is a free man. But with yet another convicted official being let off the hook, critics are questioning whether Trump’s idea of justice is just political payback.
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