Boston’s sanctuary sheriff, Steven Tompkins, was arrested on federal charges for allegedly extorting $50,000 from a cannabis executive seeking state approval to open a dispensary. FBI Director Kash Patel called this a betrayal of public trust. Tompkins oversees more than 1,000 employees in the Boston area and was indicted on two counts of extortion under color of official right.
Tompkins was appointed sheriff of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department in 2013 and made headlines in 2019 for booting ICE agents out of the county jail. A cannabis company partnered with the sheriff’s department to meet the state’s Positive Impact Plan requirement. Tompkins allegedly pressured the executive for stock, obtained a pre-IPO stake, and wired $50,000 for shares.
After the company’s IPO, the stock value rose, but Tompkins demanded a refund when the value dropped below his initial investment. The executive issued checks at Tompkins’ direction to disguise the payments. U.S. Attorney Leah Foley called Tompkins’ alleged actions an affront to voters and taxpayers, emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior in law enforcement. FBI Boston special agent Ted Docks labeled the act as “clear-cut corruption.” The residents of Suffolk County deserve better than a man who is accused of using his position for personal gain. It is essential that public officials uphold the highest ethical standards, and those who fail to do so will be held accountable. Tompkins, who could face up to 20 years in prison for each charge, is scheduled to appear in Boston federal court at a later date.
