A Boston-area sheriff could spend up to 20 years in prison after being charged with federal crimes for allegedly extorting a cannabis dispensary over several years.
On Friday, August 8, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts announced charges against Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins, 67. Prosecutors say Tompkins threatened to block a national cannabis company’s Boston business license unless one of its top executives helped him get $50,000 worth of company stock at a discounted price before it went public.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley said Tompkins is accused of using his position as sheriff for personal gain in a scheme that started in mid-2020.
For the dispensary to legally operate in Boston, state law required it to join a rehabilitation program that helped former inmates find jobs. The company partnered with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office to meet this requirement.
According to court documents, Tompkins found out the company was preparing to sell shares on the stock market. He then allegedly pressured a company executive by “reminding” them that the sheriff’s office’s support was crucial for the business to keep its license.
The Justice Department said the executive believed Tompkins might use his power to harm the company’s partnership with the sheriff’s office, which could threaten their license and delay their stock launch.
Tompkins’ $50,000 investment got him 28,883 shares at a discounted price. When the stock value peaked, it was worth $138,403. But after prices dropped in May 2022, Tompkins allegedly demanded the full $50,000 back, and the executive agreed.
If convicted, Tompkins faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
FBI Boston Special Agent in Charge Ted E. Docks called the case “beyond disappointing,” saying, “What the Sheriff saw as an easy way to make a quick buck is clear-cut corruption under federal law.”
