Suffolk County Sheriff Arrested Federal Extortion Cannabis Company

Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins was arrested in Florida on federal charges of extortion involving a Boston-based cannabis company. Federal officials allege Tompkins used his official position to pressure an executive for pre-IPO stock worth $50,000, threatening to jeopardize the company's partnership with the sheriff's department and its licensing. Tompkins, who oversees over 1,000 employees and has served as sheriff since 2013, had partnered with the cannabis company to hire graduates from his department’s re-entry program. U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley condemned the alleged actions as self-serving and an affront to voters and law-abiding public servants. The FBI characterized the case as clear-cut corruption, highlighting the importance of prosecuting public officials who abuse their power. Tompkins had previously made headlines for designating Suffolk County jails as sanctuary facilities by removing ICE detainers.