Aug 8, 2025 - News

Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins indicted

Mike Deehan

Close-up of a middle-aged Black man wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and patterned tie, speaking against a black background. — Photo: Matt Stone/Boston Herald via Getty Images

Federal prosecutors indicted Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins on extortion charges Friday, alleging he pressured a cannabis company executive into a financial deal.

State of play: Tompkins, a Boston Democrat, faces two counts of federal extortion. Prosecutors allege he leveraged his official position to secure $50,000 in stock.

U.S. Attorney Leah Foley says Tompkins threatened to jeopardize the company's partnership with the sheriff's department, which could have impacted the company's dispensary license.
Her office says Tompkins also demanded and received a full $50,000 refund when the stock price later declined.

Zoom out: Tompkins oversees about 1,000 county employees operating Boston correctional facilities. He's served as sheriff since 2013.

Each extortion charge carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

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Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins indicted

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