President Donald Trump has granted a full and unconditional pardon to former Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins, calling his prosecution a politically motivated attack by the Biden administration’s Department of Justice.
Jenkins, a well-regarded law enforcement officer with a strong conservative track record, was convicted earlier this year in what many see as a clear example of overreach by federal prosecutors. The charges stemmed from appointments to the sheriff’s auxiliary deputy program—an initiative that offered community members a way to support law enforcement. Critics claimed these appointments were improperly granted, but supporters argue they were part of standard sheriff’s office operations.
Trump announced the pardon on May 26 via Truth Social, condemning what he described as a “weaponized justice system” that targets political opponents and public servants who don’t align with the current administration’s agenda. He emphasized that Jenkins had been denied a fair trial and that key evidence in his favor was suppressed.
Jenkins was sentenced to ten years in prison, but thanks to the pardon, he will not serve time. Several others associated with the case had accepted plea deals, but Jenkins maintained his innocence throughout.
This action follows Trump’s broader push to expose what he calls corruption and double standards in federal law enforcement. The former president has previously issued pardons to others he believes were unfairly targeted for political reasons.
Official Government Sources
- U.S. Department of Justice – Western District of Virginia
Details Jenkins’ sentencing to 10 years in federal prison for accepting over $75,000 in bribes in exchange for appointing individuals as auxiliary deputy sheriffs.
justice.gov - Office of the Pardon Attorney – Clemency Grants by President Donald J. Trump (2025-Present)
Lists clemency grants issued by President Trump during his second term, including the pardon of Scott Jenkins.
justice.govJustice+1Justice+1
Sources : TV503com