FBI: Boston’s sanctuary sheriff arrested on federal extortion charges

by WorldTribune Staff / 247 Real News August 8, 2025

Suffolk County, Massachusetts Sheriff Steve Tompkins has been arrested on federal extortion charges, the FBI announced on Friday.

Sheriff Steve Tompkins

“As a result of an FBI Boston investigation, Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins has been taken into custody in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for allegedly extorting $50,000 from the owner of a national cannabis retail company seeking to do business in Boston,” the FBI said.

Tompkins, 67, was indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of Extortion Under Color of Official Right, the Department of Justice announced.

The charges each carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

In 2019, Tompkins kicked Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) out of Suffolk County jails. Boston, which is in Suffolk County, is a sanctuary city for illegal aliens.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley said:

“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. Elected officials, particularly those in law enforcement, are expected to be ethical, honest and law abiding – not self-serving.

“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 Sheriff’s Department. The people of Suffolk County deserve better. 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.”

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