Right wing LEOs don’t need to follow the law, but you do.
Donald J. Trump has just swooped in to save another one of his loyal followers from the harsh consequences of checks notes accepting tens of thousands of dollars in bribes and selling law enforcement badges like they were souvenir keychains.
Former Virginia sheriff Scott Jenkins — a man who thought “protect and serve” meant “cash and carry” — was convicted on 12 counts including conspiracy, fraud, and bribery. A jury (yes, an actual group of regular citizens, not “Radical Left monsters”) found that Jenkins accepted over $75,000 in exchange for handing out fake deputy positions to rich buddies who wanted to skip traffic tickets and pack heat without those pesky permits.
Sentenced to ten years in March, Jenkins was supposed to report to prison this week. But surprise! Trump has waved his Truth Social wand, declaring that Jenkins, his wife Patricia, and their family were “dragged through HELL” — which apparently is worse than the federal penitentiary he’ll now never see.
Trump says the guy was targeted by an “overzealous Biden DOJ,” conveniently ignoring the jury trial, the mountain of evidence, and the undercover FBI agents handing out cash like candy at a parade. But who needs facts when you have loyalty?
And of course, this isn’t a one-off. Jenkins joins a growing club of Trump-approved lawbreakers who’ve found redemption not through the justice system, but by appealing to the Court of MAGA Public Opinion. Need a pardon? Don’t call a lawyer — just hop on a webinar and make sure Trump “hears your story.”
The Constitution gives presidents the power to pardon, sure. But it doesn’t say they have to use it like a “Get Out of Jail Free” card for the most ethically bankrupt in their fan club.
So, Sheriff Jenkins walks free. His badge might be fake, but his connection to Trump? Very, very real.