Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins has resigned from his position as Chair of the Roxbury Community College Board of Trustees, effective August 12, 2025. In a formal letter to Governor Maura Healey, Tompkins expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, while confirming his decision to step down from the role he has held for years.
The resignation comes shortly after Tompkins’s arrest in Florida and indictment by a federal grand jury on two counts of extortion under color of official right. His departure was welcomed by Governor Healey, who described it as the right decision and announced that Vice-Chair Israul Marrero would immediately assume the role of Interim Chair.
Serious Allegations and Legal Stakes
Federal prosecutors allege that Tompkins exploited his official position to demand $50,000 worth of pre-IPO stock from a Boston cannabis company executive, in exchange for using his influence to secure favorable licensing and business partnerships. The company had reportedly collaborated with the Suffolk County sheriff’s office on vocational training programs for recently released individuals, which prosecutors say gave Tompkins significant leverage.
According to court filings, when the stock value dropped, Tompkins allegedly demanded repayment of his investment. FBI officials characterized the conduct as a blatant abuse of public office for personal financial gain. If convicted, Tompkins faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
The allegations mark a dramatic turn for a law enforcement leader who has held the sheriff’s office since 2013 and was twice elected to the role. The case underscores growing scrutiny over public corruption and the risks of private business dealings intersecting with official duties.
Political Fallout and Unanswered Questions
Tompkins, a well-known figure in state Democratic politics, has long been active in public events and political campaigns alongside prominent Massachusetts leaders. His indictment has prompted cautious responses from political allies, many of whom acknowledge the seriousness of the charges but stop short of calling for his resignation as sheriff.
Governor Healey noted that while the allegations are serious, she has yet to review all available information before commenting on his continued tenure in office. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu echoed the sentiment, stating she intends to examine the facts before forming an opinion.
For now, Tompkins’s resignation is limited to the college board, and no announcement has been made regarding his future as sheriff. A court date in Boston has not yet been scheduled, and the sheriff has declined public comment since the indictment. The unfolding legal process leaves open questions about both the future leadership of Suffolk County’s law enforcement and the potential broader implications for political accountability in Massachusetts.
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