Boston, August 28, 2025
News Summary
Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins has been indicted on federal extortion charges, accused of pressuring a Boston cannabis company executive to return a $50,000 investment. Following his arrest in Florida, Tompkins will temporarily step away from his duties while the legal proceedings unfold. The indictment details allegations of using his official position to secure repayments disguised as legitimate business expenses. If convicted, he faces significant penalties, with his attorney expressing confidence in an acquittal.
Boston — Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins has been indicted on federal extortion charges and will step away from his duties while the case proceeds, state officials announced.
Main developments
Federal prosecutors have charged Sheriff Steven Tompkins with extortion, alleging he pressured an executive at a Boston-based cannabis company to return a personal investment before the company went public. The indictment alleges an extorted sum of $50,000 and contends that Tompkins used the influence of his office to secure the payment. Tompkins was arrested in Florida and is expected to be transported to Boston for initial court proceedings.
Arrest and indictment details
Tompkins, 67, was taken into custody in Florida following the federal indictment. Prosecutors allege he reminded the company executive that he had aided the company’s efforts to obtain a Boston license and then sought repayment of his investment. The indictment claims the repayment was sought in the form of checks characterized as loan repayments and company expenses. Court documents do not name the company explicitly, though reports indicate the firm may be Ascend Wellness Holdings.
Financial context and alleged scheme
According to filings and reports, Tompkins initially invested personally in the cannabis company. When the company went public in 2021, that investment is reported to have been worth about $138,403 before later declines in the stock’s value. Prosecutors allege Tompkins demanded the earlier $50,000 be returned and that he leveraged his official position to obtain that repayment. The indictment specifies that the checks used to return funds were presented as legitimate loan repayments or business expenses, rather than repayments tied to a personal investment.
Legal status and potential penalties
Tompkins has pleaded not guilty to the extortion charges. His attorney has indicated an expectation of acquittal. If convicted, Tompkins faces up to 20 years in prison for each extortion count included in the federal indictment. The case will proceed through federal court, with extradition steps already completed following his arrest in Florida and transportation planned to Boston for arraignment and further proceedings.
Official response and interim leadership
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced that Tompkins will step away from his duties until the legal matter is resolved, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the importance of public trust in the criminal justice system. Assistant Superintendent Mark Lawhorne has been appointed as Special Sheriff to assume leadership responsibilities during Tompkins’s absence.
Background and related concerns
Tompkins has served as Suffolk County Sheriff since 2013 and was re-elected in 2022 to a six-year term. His tenure has included previous enforcement actions related to ethics rules; he has been fined for violating Massachusetts conflict of interest laws in the past. Since the indictment, questions have surfaced about his prior handling of taxpayer funds and certain expense claims, prompting heightened scrutiny of departmental spending and oversight practices.
Next steps in the legal process
The federal case will move through standard pretrial procedures, including arraignment, potential discovery and pretrial motions. Tompkins remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Investigations and any subsequent hearings will determine whether additional charges or evidence are presented. Meanwhile, county operations will continue under the temporary leadership of the Special Sheriff.
Background context
The events come amid broader public attention on the intersection of public office and private financial interests, particularly as states expand legal cannabis markets and conflicts of interest become more likely. The specifics of this case center on alleged misuse of official influence to obtain a personal financial benefit tied to a private investment, an allegation that carries significant legal and ethical implications for an elected law enforcement official.
FAQ
What charges has Steven Tompkins been indicted on?
He has been indicted on federal extortion charges alleging he pressured a cannabis company executive to return a personal investment of $50,000 by leveraging his official position.
Has Tompkins pleaded guilty?
No. Tompkins has pleaded not guilty to the charges and his legal team has indicated an expectation of acquittal.
What are the potential penalties if convicted?
The indictment carries potential prison terms of up to 20 years for each count of extortion, subject to federal sentencing guidelines and other factors determined at conviction.
Will Tompkins remain in office during the case?
Tompkins has stepped away from his duties temporarily while the case proceeds. Assistant Superintendent Mark Lawhorne has been appointed Special Sheriff to carry out the office’s responsibilities.
Which company is involved?
Court documents do not name the company, though media reports have identified the firm as Ascend Wellness Holdings. That identification is not part of the formal indictment language.
Quick reference table
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Location of arrest | Florida (to be returned to Boston for proceedings) |
| Accused | Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins, age 67 |
| Charges | Federal extortion (alleged pressure for $50,000) |
| Alleged amount extorted | $50,000 |
| Company involved | Not named in court documents; reports suggest Ascend Wellness Holdings |
| Reported investment value when public | Approximately $138,403 in 2021 (later declined) |
| Current legal status | Pleaded not guilty; federal indictment pending |
| Potential penalty | Up to 20 years in prison per extortion count |
| Interim leadership | Assistant Superintendent Mark Lawhorne appointed Special Sheriff |
| Tenure as sheriff | Serving since 2013; re-elected to a six-year term in 2022 |
| Past conduct issues | Previously fined for violating Massachusetts conflict of interest laws; questions about certain expenses |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston
- WCVB
- Boston Herald
- Axios
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Extortion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Extortion
- Google Search: Steven Tompkins
- Google News: Steven Tompkins indictment
- Google Scholar: Extortion Law
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.
