Scott Howard Jenkinspardon

May 27, 2025

Updated Feb 2, 2026
Net worth
Unknown
Crimes
bribery, corruption
Convicted of
Conspiracy; honest services fraud; bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds
Original sentence
10 years' imprisonment (March 2025)
Time served
None; pardoned before reporting to prison

Background

Scott Howard Jenkins was the elected Sheriff of Culpeper County, Virginia, for a decade. He was convicted in December 2024 of accepting bribes in exchange for appointing business executives as auxiliary deputies.

The Case

Jenkins was convicted of accepting at least $75,000 in bribes in exchange for appointing Northern Virginia business executives as auxiliary deputies—a scheme prosecutors described as "cash-for-badges." He was found guilty of one count of conspiracy, four counts of honest services fraud, and seven counts of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison in March 2025 and was set to report on May 27, 2025. The conduct corrupted the sheriff’s office, undermined public trust in law enforcement, and misused the authority of his office for personal gain.

The Pardon

On May 27, 2025, President Trump granted Jenkins a full pardon before he reported to prison.

Sources