Sheriff Tompkins pleads not guilty to extortion charges

Driving the news: Tompkins was in federal court on Fan Pier for arraignment on Thursday.

• During the hearing, a judge revoked some of his conditions of release, including $200,000 bail, per the Boston Globe.

What they're saying: "The facts simply will demonstrate that [Tompkins] was charged with a crime he did not commit," defense attorney Martin Weinberg told reporters outside the courthouse, according to the Globe.

• "It is my expectation — strong expectation — that a year or so from now, we'll be walking out that door and that Mr. Tompkins will be found not guilty," he said.

Zoom out: Weinberg was on the Karen Read defense team for her appeal and the retrial that exonerated her of a murder charge.

Catch up quick: Prosecutors allege Tompkins leveraged a job training program for recently released inmates to pressure the owners of a cannabis company into selling him $50,000 in stock.

• The company had relied on that program, a partnership with Tompkins' main jail, to show a positive impact in the community.
• Prosecutors say Tompkins also demanded a refund when the stock's value declined.