Massachusetts Suffolk County Sheriff Arrested for Extorting Cannabis Company

Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins of Massachusetts has been arrested and charged with two counts of extortion for allegedly pressuring a Boston-based cannabis company to sell him stock before its initial public offering. Prosecutors say Tompkins used his official position to coerce the company, which depended on his department's partnership to refer former inmates for work, threatening to end the collaboration and jeopardize their operating license if he was denied. Tompkins wired $50,000 from his retirement account to purchase the stock, which initially increased in value, but when it later declined, he demanded and received a full refund, disguised as loan repayments. Federal officials condemned his actions as clear-cut corruption and a betrayal of public trust. Tompkins has led the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department since 2013 and was previously involved in notable actions such as ending a detainee contract with ICE and participating in protests against racial injustice. His arrest has raised questions about oversight, including scrutiny of Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell's role in the matter.