Rick Sung pleads guilty in Santa Clara County bribery scandal

Former Santa Clara County Undersheriff Rick Sung has pleaded guilty to two felony bribery counts as part of a plea deal. The charges stem from a scandal involving the leveraging of concealed weapon (CCW) permits to obtain political favors and luxury goods.

Prosecutors stated that Sung was involved in a scheme to secure Apple devices and access to a luxury suite at the SAP Center, home of the San Jose Sharks, in exchange for permits. This legal development concludes a multi-year investigation that led to the 2022 resignation of former Sheriff Laurie Smith and several other convictions, including Captain James Jensen.

As part of his plea agreement, Sung will surrender his state law enforcement license, perform 400 hours of community service, and serve two years of probation. The agreement also allows him to petition to reduce the felonies to misdemeanors and seek expungement after completing his terms. A related bribery charge against businessman Harpreet Chadha was dismissed.