In a troubling development, Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins stands accused of leveraging his official position to extort a cannabis company for personal financial gain.
The 67-year-old law enforcement officer faces two counts of "Extortion Under Color of Official Right," as revealed by a federal grand jury indictment. The U.S. Justice Department announced these charges in a news release on Friday, shedding light on the alleged misconduct.
According to Western Journal, the case centers on a cannabis firm, referred to as Company A, which was in the process of raising capital for an initial public offering. It is alleged that Tompkins exerted pressure on a company executive to secure access to stock options, exploiting his authority as a sheriff.
The executive reportedly feared potential repercussions on the business, given Tompkins' influential role in law enforcement. The sheriff allegedly reminded the company of his assistance with licensing procedures in Boston, further intensifying the pressure.
In 2021, Tompkins invested $50,000 in the company before it went public, a sum that quickly appreciated to $138,403. However, when the stock's value plummeted in 2022, Tompkins allegedly demanded a refund of his initial investment.
The executive complied, issuing five checks over several months to return the $50,000. The Justice Department has stated that each extortion charge carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.
Tompkins is no stranger to controversy. In October 2024, he terminated a contract with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to house detained illegal aliens, a decision reported by The Blaze. Additionally, in 2020, he participated in a kneeling protest to denounce the death of George Floyd, actions that have drawn both support and criticism.
The Justice Department has expressed concern over the impact of Tompkins' alleged actions on public trust in law enforcement. U.S. Attorney Leah Foley emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "Mr. Tompkins is a sitting Sheriff, responsible for over 1,000 employees, who was elected by the good people of Suffolk County. Today, he is alleged to have extorted an executive from a cannabis company, using his official position as sheriff to benefit himself."
She further noted, "Elected officials, particularly those in law enforcement, are expected to be ethical, honest and law abiding not self-serving."
Foley underscored the importance of integrity in public service, adding, "His alleged actions are 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 Sheriffs Department."
She reaffirmed her commitment to combating public corruption, stating, "Public corruption remains a top priority for my administration, and we will continue to investigate and prosecute anyone who uses their position of trust and power for their own gain."
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case against Tompkins serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability and ethical conduct among public officials. The allegations, if proven true, highlight the potential for abuse of power within law enforcement and the broader implications for community trust.
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