President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he is pardoning a former Virginia sheriff, Jenkins, who was convicted of making several businessmen sworn law enforcement officers in exchange for cash bribes.
Background
- Jenkins, 53, was found guilty on fraud and bribery charges and sentenced to 10 years in prison in March.
- Trump expressed disagreement with the sentence, stating on Truth Social that Jenkins and his family "have been dragged through HELL by a Corrupt and Weaponized Biden DOJ," referring to the US Department of Justice under President Joe Biden.
Trump’s Defense of Jenkins
- Trump described Jenkins as a victim of an overzealous Biden Department of Justice, claiming he doesn’t deserve to spend a single day in jail.
- He characterized Jenkins as "a wonderful person" who was persecuted by "Radical Left monsters."
Details of the Case
- According to federal prosecutors, Jenkins accepted $75,000 worth of bribes from eight individuals, including two undercover FBI agents, after receiving cash and campaign contributions last December.
- The bribe payers were given badges and made auxiliary deputy sheriffs without proper vetting or training.
Testimonies
- During his trial, Jenkins testified that there was no connection between the payments he received and the issuance of badges.
- However, undercover FBI agents testified against him, stating they paid $5,000 and $10,000 each for fake badges.
Corrupt Practices
- The case details reveal corrupt practices, including a conversation between agents about the bribe:
- One agent asked, "When we give you our money…you’re gonna make us deputies?"
- The other agent confirmed, "Yes sir," before handing over an envelope containing ten thousand dollars.
Impact of the Pardon
- Trump’s pardon means that Jenkins will not serve his sentence, which was set to begin tomorrow morning at 9 AM EST at FCI Petersburg Medium Federal Correctional Institution in Virginia, where he has been held since April 2023 following his conviction last year.
- Instead, Trump will be releasing him from custody immediately after receiving word from Washington, D.C. today afternoon.
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