Suffolk Sheriff’s Federal Indictment Sends Shockwaves Through Mass. Politics

Embattled Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins has many important friends in the upper echelons of the Massachusetts Democratic Party. The list of heavy hitters includes current and former officeholders.

I haven't heard many of Tompkins' pals offer a defense of their friend since he was indicted on federal corruption charges in Florida last week. Whether they exchange Christmas cards this year will be telling.

The State House News Service reported that Tompkins has been an "influential figure in Democratic politics."

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Background: Steven Tompkins’ Political Career

Tompkins became the sheriff of Suffolk County, which essentially is Boston, in 2013. Tompkins was appointed sheriff by Governor Deval Patrick to fill a vacancy created when Andrea Cabral stepped down to become Secretary of Public Safety for the Commonwealth.

After completing the final year of Cabral's term, Tompkins was elected for two six-year terms. His current term expires in 2028.

SHNS reported that before Tompkins pinned a star to his chest, he served as a "senior political advisor" to U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren during her 2012 campaign.

MasterList.com stated Tompkins "chaired future Mayor Michelle Wu's run for City Council At-Large, and campaigned alongside Governor. Maura Healey." Tompkins is "also the chair of the Roxbury Community College Board of Trustees," according to MasterList.

Details of the Federal Corruption Charges

Tompkins was arrested last Friday on charges that he extorted a cannabis company that was looking to do business in Boston. He was released on $200,000 bond and will face arraignment in federal court in Boston at a future date.

The 67-year-old Tompkins has not announced plans to resign as of this writing, and there is no easy way to remove him from office should he refuse to leave.