News Summary
Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins has been indicted for extortion, accused of pressuring a cannabis executive for financial compensation after a poor investment. The allegations highlight ethical concerns within Massachusetts law enforcement and the cannabis sector. If convicted, Tompkins faces significant prison time and fines. U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley emphasizes the need for high ethical standards in public office, especially concerning law enforcement officials.
Suffolk County, Massachusetts – Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins has been indicted on two counts of extortion under color of official right, according to federal prosecutors in Boston. The indictment, unsealed recently, alleges that Tompkins unlawfully pressured a cannabis company executive to provide him with financial compensation linked to a failed investment.
The 67-year-old Tompkins, who became sheriff in 2013 when appointed by then-Governor Deval Patrick and subsequently won an election for the role, reportedly threatened to revoke a critical partnership with Ascend Wellness Holdings, a company in the cannabis sector, if his demands for a refund were not met. Central to the charges is a claim that Tompkins sought the return of a $50,000 investment he had made to purchase stock in the company.
In November 2020, Tompkins wired $50,000 to acquire shares priced at approximately $1.73 each, culminating in around 14,417 shares post a reverse stock split. Following the company’s IPO in 2021, the stock initially surged to $9.60 per share; however, by May 2022, it had significantly depreciated, leading to a loss on Tompkins’ investment.
After reportedly realizing that his investment was unprofitable, Tompkins allegedly pressured the executive for a refund. He received five checks between May 2022 and July 2023, which he and the executive disguised as “loan repayment” or “[company] expense” to obscure the true purpose of the payments.
Tompins was arrested in Florida and later released on a $200,000 bond, with a requirement to appear in federal court in Boston at a forthcoming date. If convicted, each extortion charge carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, alongside three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley highlighted the expectations placed on elected officials, particularly those in law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of ethics and the rejection of self-serving actions. This indictment follows a troubling history of ethics violations by Tompkins, who has faced fines totaling $14,800 for various infractions, including conflicts of interest and improper conduct during his term.
Tompkins’ previous violations include creating a no-bid job for his niece and attempting to remove campaign signs related to his electoral opponents while using his influence as sheriff. His involvement in Boston’s Democratic political landscape is notable, having supported various candidates, including Senator Elizabeth Warren.
In this specific case, Ascend’s business model strategically required a collaboration with the Sheriff’s Department to comply with Massachusetts licensing necessities through a positive impact plan intended to help formerly incarcerated individuals find employment. While the indictment does not explicitly name Ascend Wellness Holdings, the details provided correspond with the company’s operations and its necessity to establish partnerships with law enforcement.
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission has faced scrutiny in light of incidents like Tompkins’ alleged misconduct, raising questions about ethical practices within the state’s cannabis industry. Mayor Michelle Wu of Boston remarked on the significant implications of the allegations against law enforcement officials, reiterating the high ethical standards expected of public servants.
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- Boston Globe: Suffolk Sheriff Tompkins Indicted
- Wikipedia: Steven Tompkins
- Boston Herald: Steven Tompkins and His Democrat Credentials
- Google Search: Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins
- NewsNation: Sheriff Steve Tompkins Indicted
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Extortion
- Boston Globe: Suffolk Sheriff Steve Tompkins Indicted
- Google News: Steven Tompkins Indictment
- NBC Boston: Suffolk County Sheriff Extortion Arrest
- Google Scholar: Steven Tompkins Extortion
- Boston Globe: Steven Tompkins Indictment Full Details
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
