Former Cop Sentenced for Bribery Scandal

NORFOLK, Va. – A former Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office sergeant was locked up for accepting bribes in exchange for favors and referrals. Melvin Hike, 65, of Portsmouth, Va., got 15 months in prison, three years of supervised release and a $10,000 fine, U.S. District Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen ruled.

Hike pleaded guilty on Oct. 8, 2013, to conspiracy and federal programs bribery. According to court documents, Hike took cash payments and other items of value from Ulysses Stephenson, aka “Tugger,” a local bail bondsman, in exchange for referrals. Stephenson previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy and federal programs bribery in connection with bribing Hike and was sentenced to 30 months in prison on Nov. 2, 2012.

The FBI investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Monique Abrishami and Peter Mason of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy E. Cross of the Eastern District of Virginia.

Stephenson’s income depended on the number of arrestee clients he served. Hike was assigned to the warrant squad at the PSU from 2008 to 2012. The case highlights corruption within the law enforcement agency and raises questions about the vetting process for law enforcement officers.

Hike’s crimes were uncovered as part of a broader investigation into corruption within the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office. The case serves as a reminder that public officials will be held accountable for their actions.

The investigation and prosecution of Hike’s crimes demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to root out corruption and ensure public trust in the justice system.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.justice.gov/usao/vae. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia at http://www.vaed.uscourts.gov or on https://pcl.uscourts.gov.

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