Former Culpeper Sheriff Sentenced to 10 Years for Bribery Scheme

Former Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Howard Jenkins has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for accepting more than $75,000 in bribes in exchange for handing out law enforcement appointments to unqualified individuals.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia announced the sentencing on Friday, March 21. Jenkins, 53, was convicted in December 2024 on multiple charges, including conspiracy, four counts of honest services fraud, and seven counts of bribery involving programs receiving federal funds.

Federal prosecutors say Jenkins used his elected position to run what they called a “cash-for-badges” scheme, accepting cash payments and campaign donations from Northern Virginia businessmen and others in return for appointing them as auxiliary deputy sheriffs. The appointments came with official badges and law enforcement credentials—despite the fact that the recipients were not trained, vetted, or assigned any duties within the Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office.

“Scott Jenkins violated his oath of office and the faith the citizens of Culpeper County placed in him,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Lee. “This case proves that when those officials use their authority for unjust personal enrichment, the Department of Justice will hold them accountable.”

Among the individuals involved in the scheme were co-defendants Rick Rahim, Fredric Gumbinner, and James Metcalf, all of whom pleaded guilty to related charges and await sentencing. At least five others, including two undercover FBI agents, also paid bribes in exchange for appointments.

Federal court documents revealed that Jenkins not only handed out badges but also tried to influence court proceedings. He reportedly pressured local officials to approve a petition filed by Rahim, a convicted felon, to restore his firearm rights. The petition falsely claimed Rahim lived in Culpeper County.

“Every law enforcement officer takes an oath to serve and protect the community—that includes following the law they’ve sworn to uphold,” said Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division. “I am proud of the diligent work our investigative team did on this case to bring Jenkins to justice.”

Jenkins’ actions have drawn widespread criticism for undermining the integrity of law enforcement. The appointments he issued carried the authority of sworn law officers—despite being handed out to individuals who provided no service to the department or the public.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie Smith and trial attorneys from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Public Integrity Section.

Jenkins, who once held a position of trust in one of Virginia’s oldest counties, will now serve a decade in federal prison. The current sheriff of Culpeper County is Tim Chilton, a former deputy chief of the Culpeper Police Department.