EDITOR'S NOTE (Nov. 12, 2024, 5:15 p.m.): Federal charges have been dropped against Frederick County (Maryland) Sheriff Chuck Jenkins. You can read more here.
ORIGINAL STORY (April 6, 2023):
More evidence was released by the Frederick County Sheriff's office on Thursday, after the sheriff was indicted by a federal grand jury for his part in an alleged machine gun scheme.
Frederick County Sheriff Charles Jenkins has been in office since 2006, and vowed on Thursday to stay in office despite the indictment.
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He is accused of conspiring with the owner of a gun range to illegally obtain machine guns to rent out, and charged with falsifying documents and requesting machine guns for demonstration in his office -- where no demonstrations took place, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.
Instead, according to the indictment, Sheriff Jenkins conspired to get those guns to Robert Krop, who rented them to private citizens for money.
Krop owns Machine Gun Nest, a gun range in Frederick. The indictment alleges his business made more than $100,000 in just two years from renting out the machine guns.
On Thursday, the Frederick County sheriff's office released a list of weapons they issue and/or maintain.
The Law Enforcement Bureau uses the following list of weapons:
- 9mm semi-auto pistol
- 308 Winchester Bold action precision rifle
- 5.56 mm AR-15 Rifle select fire (full auto)
- 5.56 mm AR-15 Rifle semi-auto
- Remington 870 12-gauge shotgun designated for Less Lethal impact munitions
- Remington 870 12-gauge designated lethal foce use
- 38 special Revolver
While the Corrections Bureau uses the following list of weapons:
- 9mm semi-auto pistol
- Remington 870 12-gauge shotgun
- Remington 870 12-gauge Less Lethal Shotgun
Of all the guns on that list, only one can be considered a machine gun -- the fully automatic 5.56 mm AR-15 Rifle select fire.
However, that machine gun is different than the types of machine guns listed in the indictment.
Some Frederick county residents tell News4 they're disturbed by the allegations.
"I don't know what this world is coming to," said resident Yvonne Fink. "I just don't know what's going on."
"I mean, if he's doing something that's wrong, then he will have to answer for it," said Bill Fink, another resident.
Others who live in Frederick say they aren't rushing to judgement.
"I guess it sounds bad, but I don't know, I guess I'm waiting to see how it turns out," said resident Tommy Kline.
"You're innocent until proven guilty," said Jeff Windsor, another resident of the county. "I like Jenkins, I would vote for him again. I voted for him last time, he's been a good sheriff."
In a statement sent by a spokesperson, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore expressed support for the investigation.
"Sheriff Jenkins is facing serious criminal charges that are worthy of investigation and we expect that law enforcement officials will be thorough and fair, working in accordance with due process," the statement read.
"No one is above the law; we expect high standards from all public officials and trust that our institutions will work to both protect the rights of the accused and defend the interests of the citizens of Frederick County."
It's not the first time in recent weeks a member of the Frederick County sheriff's office has faced criminal charges.
At the end of March, deputy Allan Mandujano was charged with second degree child abuse and assault, involving a 5-year-old child. He was suspended without pay.
News4 tried to reach Jenkins to ask him why the deputy was suspended while the sheriff is staying in office -- and did not hear back.
On Wednesday, his spokesman gave a statement on his behalf:
"I have been in constant communication with the DOJ and ATF for over a year and have been 100 percent cooperative throughout the course of this investigation. At the advice of my attorney and out of respect for the justice process, I am not providing any comment at this time."
Frederick County Council Vice President Kavonte Duckett called for Jenkins to place himself on leave Thursday evening.
"I unequivocally condemn the action of any elected official which are inconsistent with integrity, trust, and good community service," the statement reads.
"Trust in public officials and law enforcement is the foundation upon which our community safety is built. We have worked hard here in Frederick County to build and improve that trust with the families we serve. Incidents like this can erode that hard and meaningful work."
"While the Council plays no role in the operation of the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office beyond providing state mandatedfunding to the division, it is important that we hold all duly elected officials accountable. Any inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated in Frederick County regardless of elected office."
"I urge Sheriff Chuck Jenkins to place himself on an administrative leave of absence until this matter is resolved as he would require any deputy pending charges under his command."
If convicted on the charges, Jenkins and Krop could face up to 5 years in federal prison for conspiracy and false statements.
Krop could also face an additional 10 years in prison for illegal possession of a machine gun.
Jenkins is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court next Wednesday, with Krop appearing on Thursday.
