FLORIDA / MASSACHUSETTS — Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins was arrested Friday morning in Florida following a federal indictment accusing him of extorting $50,000 from a national cannabis company seeking to operate in Massachusetts.
Tompkins, a high-profile law enforcement official, was taken into custody ahead of a scheduled court appearance later that day. He was released following the Florida hearing and is expected to appear in Boston federal court on a future date.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Massachusetts, Tompkins allegedly used his official position as sheriff to pressure a cannabis executive into paying him in exchange for favorable treatment.
The company targeted in the scheme was not named in the unsealed indictment. However, authorities say the retailer was in the process of seeking approval to conduct business in Boston.
“Elected officials, particularly those in law enforcement, are expected to be ethical, honest and law abiding — not self-serving,” said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley.
FBI Boston Division Special Agent in Charge Ted E. Docks added:
“What the sheriff saw as an easy way to make a quick buck on the sly is clear cut corruption under federal law.”
Tompkins was indicted on two federal charges, though court documents do not yet show legal representation for him. His arrest follows a grand jury process earlier this month, and further proceedings are pending.
The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office has not yet responded to media inquiries regarding the arrest.
