Former Santa Clara County undersheriff pleads guilty in bribery scheme
A political corruption scandal in the South Bay has concluded with a felony conviction.
Former Santa Clara County Undersheriff Rick Sung pleaded guilty to two felony bribery charges, admitting that he ran a pay-to-play scheme out of the sheriff’s office.
Prosecutors say Sung weaponized his power by trading highly coveted, rarely issued concealed weapons permits for luxury corporate perks.
The bribes included hundreds of Apple iPads and access to a luxury suite for San Jose Sharks games at the SAP Center.
The guilty plea closes an eight-year corruption probe that led to several convictions and forced former Sheriff Laurie Smith out of office.
Under the terms of the resolution, Sung must complete 400 hours of community service and permanently surrender his California law enforcement badge.