Former Portsmouth Sheriff’s Sergeant Charged in Bribery Scheme
A former sergeant in the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office has been indicted for accepting bribes in exchange for favors and referrals.
The indictment charges Melvin Hike, 65, of Portsmouth, Va., with one count each of conspiracy, federal programs bribery, attempted extortion under color of official right, and false statements.
Hike faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the attempted extortion, 10 years in prison for the federal programs bribery, and five years in prison each for the conspiracy and false statements. He also faces a maximum fine of $250,000 for each count.
According to the indictment, from 2008 to 2012, Hike was a PSO sergeant assigned to the warrant squad or to provide security in the Portsmouth Circuit Court. Person A, a bail bondsman based in Portsmouth, gave Hike cash payments, and in exchange, Hike referred arrestees to Person A as prospective clients.
On or about June 2010, Hike allegedly obtained a gift card valued at $250 to which he was not entitled, in exchange for his assistance in getting an arrestee released on bond and assigned a bondsman.
On or about January 27, 2012, Hike allegedly made false statements to FBI agents investigating his conduct. He stated that he had never accepted money from any bondsman, that he had never referred any arrestees to a bondsman, and that he had never accepted anything of value from an arrestee, knowing that all three statements were false.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Trial Attorneys Peter Mason and Monique Abrishami of the Public Integrity Section and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy E. Cross are prosecuting the case.
Hike was arrested this morning and is currently being held in the Portsmouth City Jail pending further proceedings.
Defendant: Melvin Hike, 65, of Portsmouth, Va.
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy, federal programs bribery, attempted extortion under color of official right, and false statements.
City and State: Portsmouth, Virginia.
Exact Date: Various dates between 2008 and 2012, and January 27, 2012.
Sentence or Outcome: Currently pending trial.
Dollar Amounts: $250,000 fine for each count, $250 gift card.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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