Boston-area sheriff who refused to cooperate with ICE arrested for extortion of cannabis company

( Post Millennial )

Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins has been indicted on federal extortion charges tied to the purchase of an equity stake in a Boston cannabis company.

Tompkins, 67, was charged with two counts of Extortion Under Color of Official Right by a federal grand jury. He was arrested Thursday morning in the Southern District of Florida, the Department of Justice says.

“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… The people of Suffolk County deserve better,” said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley, calling the alleged conduct an “affront” to voters and public servants.

Tompkins is known for his refusal to work with ICE, having ended his department's contract with the federal agency.