President Trump pardons ex-sheriff Scott Jenkins, convicted in a bribery scheme, calling the case politically biased.

Trump Issues Full and Unconditional Pardon

President Donald Trump on Monday granted a full and unconditional pardon to former Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins, who was convicted in 2023 of accepting over $75,000 in bribes in exchange for granting law enforcement titles to unqualified businessmen.

The announcement was made via Truth Social, where Trump defended Jenkins as a victim of a politically motivated prosecution. “Instead of reporting to jail on Tuesday, he will have a wonderful and productive life,” Trump wrote.

Jenkins, 53, was found guilty of conspiracy, honest services fraud, and bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison in March.

According to federal prosecutors, Jenkins accepted cash and campaign contributions from several individuals, including Rick Rahim, Fredric Gumbinner, James Metcalf, and undercover FBI agents. In return, he appointed them as auxiliary deputy sheriffs—a sworn law enforcement role—issuing them official badges and credentials despite their lack of training or background checks.

Trump Slams DOJ and Federal Judge

Trump sharply criticized the Department of Justice and the judge who oversaw the case, Robert Ballou. “Sheriff Jenkins and his wife have been dragged through HELL by a Corrupt and Weaponized Biden Justice Department,” Trump alleged. He further claimed Jenkins was denied the opportunity to present exculpatory evidence during trial.

“Radical Left or Liberal Judges allow into evidence what they feel like, not what is mandated under the Constitution and Rules of Evidence,” Trump wrote, accusing the court of political bias and misconduct.

Calling Jenkins a “wonderful person” who was “left for dead” by the justice system, Trump said the pardon was necessary to correct what he views as a grave injustice. “This Sheriff is a victim of an overzealous Biden Department of Justice, and doesn’t deserve to spend a single day in jail,” he stated.

Jenkins, who maintained his innocence throughout the legal process, had previously expressed hope that the president would intervene. In a webinar held by the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association in April, he said, “I believe if [Trump] heard the information, I know he would help if he knew my story.”

The pardon ends Jenkins’ legal battle just one day before he was scheduled to report to prison, reversing a high-profile conviction and reigniting debate over presidential clemency powers and political interference in federal prosecutions.