Former Culpeper County Sheriff Convicted On Federal Bribery Charges

Sunday, December 22, 2024, 8:45 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA.- On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the former sheriff of Culpeper County, Virginia, is facing spending the rest of his life in federal prison after being convicted by a federal jury for the Western District of Virginia on multiple counts of federal conspiracy and bribery charges in connection with accepting over $75,000 in bribes from individuals in return for their appointments as auxiliary deputy sheriff’s officers. 

     On Wednesday, the jury found Scott Howard Jenkins, 53, of Culpeper, guilty of one count of Conspiracy; four counts of Honest Services Fraud; and seven counts of Bribery Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds. 

     Sentencing has been scheduled for March 31, 2025. At that time, Jenkins faces a maximum penalty of five years for the conspiracy count, 20 years on each of the honest services fraud counts, and 10 years on each of the bribery counts, for a total maximum term of imprisonment of 155 years in federal prison.

According To The U.S. Attorney’s Office

     According to U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh and evidence presented at trial, Jenkins accepted cash and bribes in the form of campaign donations from co-defendants Rick Rahim, Fredric Gumbinner, and James Metcalf, as well as at least five others, including two Federal Bureau of Investigation undercover agents.

Jenkins In Return For Cash Appoints Individuals As Deputy Sherffs

     In return for the cash campaign donations, Jenkins appointed each of the individuals as auxiliary deputy sheriffs, a sworn law-enforcement position, and issued each of them official Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office badges and credentials. The bribe payors were not trained nor vetted and did not render any legitimate services to the Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office.

     In addition, Jenkins pressured other local officials to approve a petition filed in Culpeper County Circuit Court by Rahim, a convicted felon, to restore his right to possess a firearm, which falsely stated that Rahim was residing in Culpeper County, Virginia.

     Rahim, Gumbinner, and Metcalf have all pleaded guilty for their roles in the bribery scheme and are currently awaiting sentencing.