Sheriff Denies Misconduct In Wrongful Conviction

CULPEPER, Va. — Another defendant in a wrongful conviction lawsuit in Culpeper County is denying its claims of police misconduct.

Sheriff Scott Jenkins says in his response to Michael Hash's lawsuit that he acted properly and in good faith.

Jenkins says he didn't know about or engage in any misconduct during the investigation and prosecution of Hash.

Hash sued Jenkins and several others in late December. The lawsuit claims they engaged in an effort to convict Hash even though there wasn't any credible evidence against him.

Hash was convicted in 2001 for the 1996 slaying of 74-year-old Thelma D. Scroggins. He served 12 years of a life sentence before a federal judge overturned his conviction in February 2012.

The Culpeper Star-Exponent reports that Jenkins filed his response to the lawsuit last week.