Manassas Man Gave Sheriff Cash In Exchange For Badge: Feds

CULPEPER COUNTY, VA — A Manassas man is facing federal charges after authorities said he offered a Virginia sheriff cash in exchange for a sheriff's badge and a sworn law enforcement position.

James Metcalf, 60, is accused of bribing Culpeper County Sheriff Scott H. Jenkins, according to a federal indictment unsealed this week. Metcalf is charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of honest-services wire fraud, and two counts of federal programs bribery for his role in the scheme.

According to federal authorities, Jenkins, 51, of Culpeper, is accused of accepting bribes totaling at least $72,500. Authorities said he accepted cash from several people, including Metcalf; Fredric Gumbinner, 64, of Fairfax; Rick Tariq Rahim, 55, of Great Falls; and at least five others, including two FBI undercover agents.

In exchange for the cash, authorities said Jenkins appointed each an auxiliary deputy sheriff — a sworn law enforcement position — and issued them Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office badges and identification cards. Authorities said Jenkins told them the credentials authorized them to carry concealed firearms in all 50 states without a permit.

According to the indictment, Jenkins is charged with one count of conspiracy, four counts of honest-services mail and wire fraud, and eight counts of federal programs bribery.

Rahim and Gumbinner are also charged with conspiracy, honest-services mail and wire fraud, and federal programs bribery.

If convicted on all counts, each faces a maximum of 35 years in prison.