On May 26, Trump announced that he would be pardoning bribe-taking criminal and former Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins.
In March, Jenkins was found guilty on fraud and bribery charges.
Federal prosecutors say Jenkins took $75,000 worth of bribes. He allegedly accepted cash and campaign contributions from eight people — including two undercover FBI agents — and in return, gave them badges and made them auxiliary deputy sheriffs, despite not having any training or vetting. He also allegedly pushed officials to restore one bribe-payer’s right to possess a gun as a convicted felon.
CBS News
Jenkins would then perjure when on trial by claiming that there was no connection between the bribe money he took and the badges he gave away. If not for the pardon, he would have served ten years in prison.
Without evidence, Trump claimed that Jenkins attempted to offer evidence that would exonerate him, but was stifled by United States District Judge Robert Ballou, who was appointed by former President Joe Biden.
Trump’s reference to the judge is telling. The pardoning of an obvious crook is likely a means to get further revenge on Biden. Trump also rewards staunch loyalty; Jenkins is a “longstanding Trump supporter…”
