A top law enforcement official in one of the country’s most prominent Democrat-led sanctuary cities has been indicted on federal extortion charges, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley announced Friday. Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins, a Democrat who has held office since 2013, is accused of abusing his position to enrich himself through a shady deal with a cannabis company seeking a license in Boston.

Prosecutors allege that in 2019, Tompkins used his official role to pressure the company into giving him equity in exchange for support with the city’s licensing process. At the time, the company had partnered with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department to meet Boston’s social equity requirements by hiring former inmates.

Tompkins allegedly endorsed the partnership in a letter to the Cannabis Control Commission, then demanded company stock. He wired $50,000 from his retirement account to purchase pre-IPO shares at $1.73 apiece. When the stock later peaked at $9.60 per share, his investment was worth nearly $140,000. But after its value dropped below his original investment, Tompkins demanded—and received—a full refund of his $50,000 through a series of checks allegedly disguised as “loan repayments” and company expenses.

Foley called Tompkins’ alleged conduct “an affront to voters and taxpayers,” stating that law enforcement officials should be held to the highest standards of integrity. “Public corruption remains a top priority,” she added.

This marks Foley’s third indictment of an elected Democrat in 2025. Previous targets included State Rep. Chris Flanagan and former Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson.