Trump says he is pardoning Scott Jenkins, a sheriff convicted of taking $75,000 in bribes
President Trump mentioned Monday he’s pardoning Scott Jenkins, a former Virginia sheriff who was convicted of creating a number of businessmen sworn legislation enforcement officers in trade for money bribes.
Former Culpeper County Sheriff Jenkins, 53, was discovered responsible on fraud and bribery prices and sentenced to 10 years in jail in March. However on Monday, Mr. Trump posted on Reality Social that Jenkins and his household “have been dragged by means of HELL by a Corrupt and Weaponized Biden DOJ.”
“This Sheriff is a sufferer of an overzealous Biden Division of Justice, and would not need to spend a single day in jail. He is a superb particular person, who was persecuted by the Radical Left “monsters,” and “left for lifeless,” Mr. Trump mentioned within the put up. “He’ll NOT be going to jail tomorrow, however as an alternative can have a beautiful and productive life.”
EVA HAMBACH/AFP through Getty Pictures
CBS Information has reached out to Jenkins’ attorneys for remark.
Jenkins was indicted in 2023 on 16 counts. In December, a jury discovered Jenkins responsible of 1 depend of conspiracy, 4 counts of sincere companies fraud and 7 counts of bribery. Jenkins appealed his conviction in April.
Federal prosecutors say Jenkins took $75,000 value of bribes. He allegedly accepted money and marketing campaign contributions from eight folks — together with two undercover FBI brokers — and in return, gave them badges and made them auxiliary deputy sheriffs, regardless of not having any coaching or vetting. He additionally allegedly pushed officers to revive one bribe-payer’s proper to own a gun as a convicted felon.
Jenkins took the stand in his personal protection and mentioned there was no connection between the funds he obtained and the badges he handed out, in response to information reviews. Testifying towards Jenkins have been the undercover FBI brokers who have been sworn in as deputies in 2022 and instantly thereafter gave Jenkins envelopes with $5,000 and $10,000 money, respectively.
Trump mentioned Jenkins tried to supply proof in his protection, however U.S. District Choose Robert Ballou, a Biden appointee, “refused to permit it, shut him down, after which went on a tirade.”
Appearing United States Legal professional Zachary T. Lee mentioned on the time that Jenkins violated his oath of workplace “and this case proves that when these officers use their authority for unjust private enrichment, the Division of Justice will maintain them accountable.”
A longstanding Trump supporter, Jenkins is the most recent ally of the president to obtain a pardon.
On Mr. Trump’s first day in workplace, he granted pardons and commutations to greater than 1,000 folks charged within the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Mr. Trump has additionally granted clemency to a number of different public officers. He pardoned Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was convicted of attempting to promote Barack Obama’s Senate seat, and Michelle Fiore, a Las Vegas politician and dependable Trump backer convicted of paying for cosmetic surgery and different private bills with cash supposed to construct a statue for a slain police officer.
