The corrupt sheriff of a Massachusetts sanctuary city has been caught by Kash Patel’s FBI and indicted on two counts of extortion, leading one FBI agent to describe his conduct as “beyond disappointing” after it was revealed the sheriff used his position of influence to gain tens of thousands of dollars in equity in a major company.
For background, on August 8, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts confirmed that Sheriff Steven Tompkins of Suffolk County, an area known for its sanctuary policies, was charged with extortion after he gained equity in a Boston-area cannabis company. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley went on to clarify that Sheriff Tompkins had allegedly used his influence to gain a more favorable deal, which was tantamount to extortion.
Explaining the incident further in an August 8 press release, U.S. Attorney Foley explained that Sheriff Tompkins “is alleged to have extorted an executive from a cannabis company, using his official position as Sheriff to benefit himself.” She continued, “Elected officials, particularly those in law enforcement, are expected to be ethical, honest, and law-abiding – not self-serving.”
Continuing, U.S. Attorney Foley called Sheriff Tompkins’ alleged extortion “an affront to the voters and taxpayers who elected him to his position, and the many dedicated and honest public servants at the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department.” She added, “The people of Suffolk County deserve better.”
Additionally, Ted. E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division, said that Sheriff Tompkins “sought to portray himself as a man of the people – a principled public servant and reformer, devoted to the cause of justice.” Special Agent Docks went on to say that the sheriff’s apparent commitment to justice made it “beyond disappointing that he’s now accused of gaming a system instituted in the interests of public safety and fair play.”
Moreover, Special Agent Docks confirmed that the FBI took Sheriff Tompkins into custody after he allegedly extorted the owner of an unnamed cannabis company for $50,000, adding, “We believe what the Sheriff saw as an easy way to make a quick buck on the sly is clear-cut corruption under federal law.”
Building on his point, the special agent said that the citizens of Suffolk County “deserve better,” going on to describe the sheriff as “a man who is accused of trading on his position to bankroll his own political and financial future.” He concluded, “Public servants must be held to the highest of ethical standards, and those falling short will be rooted out.”
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In its press release, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts also clarified that Sheriff Tompkins’ extortion scheme had involved a partnership with a cannabis company that sought to open a dispensary in Boston. Sheriff Tompkins allegedly “pressured” the company for stock and had later “increased pressure” on the company before they gave him pre-IPO interest in the company.
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