Page 4 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2025 Suffolk County Sheriff indicted for alleged extortion Note: The following information is from a press release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Offi ce, District of Massachusetts, on August 8, 2025. B OSTON — Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins, who serves as the Sheriff for the Suff olk County Sheriff ’s Department, has been charged with extortion involving the purchase of an equity interest in a Boston-based cannabis company. Tompkins, 67, of Boston, Mass., was indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of Extortion Under Color of Offi cial Right. He was taken into custody this morning in the Southern District of Florida and will have an initial appearance at 11:00 a.m. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Tues. - Sat. at 4:00 PM Closed Sun. & Mon. Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only:Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Tuesdays & W Entree, Tuesdays & Wednesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s Scan & Follow Us on Facebook!Scan & Follow Us on Facebook! The fi ve checks totaling $50,000 allegedly issued by Individual A to Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins (Courtesy of U.S. Attorney’s Offi ce, District of Mass) www.810bargrille.com “Mr. Tompkins is a sitting Sheriff, responsible for over 1,000 employees, who was elected by the good people of Suff olk County. Today, he is alleged to have extorted an executive from a cannabis company, using his official position as Sheriff to benefi t himself. Elected offi cials, particularly those in law enforcement, are expected to be ethical, honest and law abiding — not selfserving. His alleged actions are an aff ront to the voters and taxpayers who elected him to his position, and the many dedicated and honest public servants at the Suff olk County Sheriff ’s Department. The people of Suffolk County deserve better,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “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.” “From his very first day as Suff olk County Sheriff , Steven Tompkins sought to portray himself as a man of the people — a principled public servant and reformer, devoted to the cause of justice. That’s why it’s beyond disappointing that he’s now accused of gaming a system instituted in the interests of public safety and fair play. The FBI took Sheriff Tompkins into custody today for allegedly extorting $50,000 from the owner of a national cannabis retailer seeking to do business in Boston. 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,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “The citizens of Suff olk County deserve better, not a man who is accused of trading on his position to bankroll his own political and fi nancial future. Public servants must be held to the highest of ethical standards, and those falling short will be rooted out.” CHARGED | SEE Page 14
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