Ex-Santa Clara County sheriff’s captain found guilty in gun permit corruption case

Jensen is the fifth person convicted as a result of the investigation into the issuance of concealed carry licenses by former Santa Clara County sheriff Laurie Smith's office in 2018 and 2019.

Former Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Capt. James Jensen was found guilty Wednesday on felony bribery and conspiracy charges.

The jury’s decision makes Jensen the fifth person convicted as a result of the landmark corruption case that accused top sheriff’s office commanders of trading favors for concealed-gun permits.

Jensen was convicted for “his role in a scheme to have AS Solution Inc., an international security company, donate as much as $90,000 to get concealed firearms licenses from the sheriff’s office for the company’s executive protection agents,” according to the district attorney’s office.

The scandal ultimately led to former sheriff Laurie Smith’s ouster under heavy political and legal scrutiny. Smith stepped down in 2022, and then was found guilty in a civil corruption trial to remove her from office that continued after her resignation. She has never faced criminal charges related to the matter.

“I’m grateful to the jurors who once again have shown that we are a community that deeply values integrity, fairness, and accountability,” District Attorney Jeff Rosen said in a news release.

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 9. The maximum sentence is four years in state prison.

Staff writer Robert Salonga contributed to this report. Check back for updates.