Controversial Presidential pardons: Former Sheriff Scott Jenkins avoids prison after bribery conviction
Shreeaa Rathi | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | May 28, 2025, 20:26 IST
( Image credit : AP, TOIGLOBAL )
In a surprising turn of events, Scott Jenkins, the former sheriff of Culpeper County, dodged prison time after receiving a presidential pardon from Donald Trump following his bribery conviction. This decision has sparked a heated debate about the potential misuse of presidential power, with critics voicing concerns that Trump is prioritizing loyalty over justice.
Former Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins, despite being found guilty and sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for accepting over $75,000 in bribes, will not serve any time, highlighting concerns about the use of presidential pardons. Jenkins was convicted after evidence showed he accepted bribes in exchange for deputy badges for wealthy businessmen, who would then use their status to evade traffic tickets or carry concealed firearms; the case included testimony from undercover FBI agents. This situation has sparked debate over President Trump's pardon power, with critics arguing it is being used to reward loyalists and shield corrupt officials, potentially undermining the justice system. Trump's actions are seen as part of a pattern of controversial pardons issued during and after his presidency, raising questions about the fairness and impartiality of the justice system.
The criminal case against former Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins appeared strong. Prosecutors presented evidence that Jenkins, a Virginia Republican, accepted over $75,000 in bribes. The bribes were allegedly in exchange for deputy badges for wealthy local businessmen. These individuals would then use their status to get out of traffic tickets or carry concealed firearms.
The evidence included testimony from two undercover FBI agents. These agents testified that they gave Jenkins envelopes containing $5,000 and $10,000 in cash. A jury of Jenkins’ peers heard the evidence and found him guilty. He was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.
However, Jenkins will not spend any time behind bars.
This has led to criticism of presidential pardon power.
Critics argue that President Trump has used his pardon power to reward loyalists. They also claim he has used it to complete cover-ups and undermine federal law enforcement.
As Trump prepared to leave the White House after his 2020 election defeat, he issued some of the most controversial pardons in American history.
On the first day of his second term, Trump issued roughly 1,500 pardons and commuted the sentences of 14 Jan. 6 criminals, including violent felons who were in prison for assaulting police officers.
A few days later, he kept going, pardoning 23 anti-abortion-rights activists, seemingly unconcerned with their guilt.
That was soon followed by a pardon for former Gov. Rob Blagojevich, a man synonymous with corruption in Illinois politics, whom Trump saw as any ally.
In early March, he pardoned a Tennessee Republican who was just two weeks into a 21-month sentence for his role in a campaign finance fraud scheme.
In late March, he pardoned a prominent campaign donor.
A month later, he also pardoned another Republican donor, as well as a Trump-aligned former Las Vegas City Council member.
On Memorial Day, the list grew longer.
Critics suggest that Trump has created a new legal/political dynamic. In this dynamic, pardons are available to perceived political allies with whom the president sympathizes. There is a special emphasis on shielding corrupt public officials from legal accountability.
Traditionally, presidents have issued pardons to right a wrong or to protect those who have been falsely accused of wrongdoing.
For all the GOP hysterics during the Biden era about a “two-tiered” system of justice, it seems the White House has gone out of its way to create the very dynamic Republicans claimed to be against.
The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month that the Republican “has turned the pardon process into the Wild West. What had long been a sober legal proceeding done by career officials in the Justice Department increasingly resides in the White House and depends on the whims of a president who is receptive to arguments of political persecution.”
The Journal added, “Pardon seekers are shelling out to hire lawyers and lobbyists who tout access to those in the president’s inner circle. Others seek to make their case to Trump or his inner circle at places they frequent, showing up at events at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, GOP hangouts on Capitol Hill and a collegiate wrestling match. And still others connect with conservative influencers, pitching their case on shows Trump consumes.”
The same report went on to note that the White House is expected to announce “a substantial batch of pardons in the coming weeks.”
The criminal case against former Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins appeared strong. Prosecutors presented evidence that Jenkins, a Virginia Republican, accepted over $75,000 in bribes. The bribes were allegedly in exchange for deputy badges for wealthy local businessmen. These individuals would then use their status to get out of traffic tickets or carry concealed firearms.
The evidence included testimony from two undercover FBI agents. These agents testified that they gave Jenkins envelopes containing $5,000 and $10,000 in cash. A jury of Jenkins’ peers heard the evidence and found him guilty. He was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.
However, Jenkins will not spend any time behind bars.
This has led to criticism of presidential pardon power.
Critics argue that President Trump has used his pardon power to reward loyalists. They also claim he has used it to complete cover-ups and undermine federal law enforcement.
As Trump prepared to leave the White House after his 2020 election defeat, he issued some of the most controversial pardons in American history.
On the first day of his second term, Trump issued roughly 1,500 pardons and commuted the sentences of 14 Jan. 6 criminals, including violent felons who were in prison for assaulting police officers.
A few days later, he kept going, pardoning 23 anti-abortion-rights activists, seemingly unconcerned with their guilt.
That was soon followed by a pardon for former Gov. Rob Blagojevich, a man synonymous with corruption in Illinois politics, whom Trump saw as any ally.
In early March, he pardoned a Tennessee Republican who was just two weeks into a 21-month sentence for his role in a campaign finance fraud scheme.
In late March, he pardoned a prominent campaign donor.
A month later, he also pardoned another Republican donor, as well as a Trump-aligned former Las Vegas City Council member.
On Memorial Day, the list grew longer.
Critics suggest that Trump has created a new legal/political dynamic. In this dynamic, pardons are available to perceived political allies with whom the president sympathizes. There is a special emphasis on shielding corrupt public officials from legal accountability.
Traditionally, presidents have issued pardons to right a wrong or to protect those who have been falsely accused of wrongdoing.
For all the GOP hysterics during the Biden era about a “two-tiered” system of justice, it seems the White House has gone out of its way to create the very dynamic Republicans claimed to be against.
The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month that the Republican “has turned the pardon process into the Wild West. What had long been a sober legal proceeding done by career officials in the Justice Department increasingly resides in the White House and depends on the whims of a president who is receptive to arguments of political persecution.”
The Journal added, “Pardon seekers are shelling out to hire lawyers and lobbyists who tout access to those in the president’s inner circle. Others seek to make their case to Trump or his inner circle at places they frequent, showing up at events at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, GOP hangouts on Capitol Hill and a collegiate wrestling match. And still others connect with conservative influencers, pitching their case on shows Trump consumes.”
The same report went on to note that the White House is expected to announce “a substantial batch of pardons in the coming weeks.”