CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — In a major blow to public corruption in Virginia, Rick Rahim, 60, of Great Falls, has been caught red-handed. The Northern Virginia businessman stood before the court today, pleading guilty to federal bribery charges.
Rahim, who operated several businesses including BV Management LLC and Food Truck Company LLC, admitted to paying a $25,000 cash bribe to then-Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins’ reelection campaign. This plea is part of a larger scheme that has seen Rahim become the third Northern Virginia businessman to face charges.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh emphasized the severity of the crime, stating, “The badges and guns worn by the men and women who swear an oath to protect and serve the Commonwealth of Virginia is not for sale and those who attempt to buy that honor will be held to account.”
Court documents reveal Rahim’s background: He had no law-enforcement or military experience, and was disqualified from owning a firearm due to a prior state felony conviction. Despite this, he met with an Auxiliary Deputy of Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office in 2003 or 2004 and agreed to support Jenkins’ campaign, understanding that it meant monetary contribution.
On July 31, 2019, Rahim handed over manila envelopes filled with $25,000 cash to Jenkins. In exchange for this support, Jenkins promised to use his position to restore Rahim’s firearms rights and appoint him an Auxiliary Deputy. Rahim also made in-kind donations including a campaign billboard and customized knives.
The FBI’s Richmond Field Office is actively investigating the case, with Trial Attorneys Celia Choy and Lina Peng of the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie Smith of the Western District of Virginia leading the prosecution.
Related Federal Cases
- Ex-WV Assessor Grimmett Gets Probation for $366K Scheme · West Virginia
- Virginia Man Accused of $1.6M Fraudulent Contracts Scheme · Florida
- Lindsay Kneff Indicted in $255K Real Estate Fraud Scheme · Washington
- Morgantown Couple Pleads Guilty in $8,505 Tax Scheme · West Virginia
- DC Man Pleads Guilty to $1.9M Fraud Scheme · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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