Suffolk County Sheriff Steven Tompkins has stepped away from his duties amid federal extortion charges related to a cannabis stock deal, according to the Healey administration. The indictment and announcement were confirmed by both the Massachusetts governor and attorney general. Separately, federal agents conducted raids in Tampa’s luxury Avila neighborhood, arresting two self-proclaimed religious leaders linked to the Kingdom of God Global Church. These leaders face federal charges including forced labor, money laundering, and alleged abuses such as isolating members and withholding food. The conspiracy reportedly affected victims in Florida and three other states. Additionally, a Las Vegas man, Abraham Shafi, was indicted on multiple felony charges including wire fraud for allegedly defrauding employment departments in Nevada and California in a COVID unemployment benefits scheme. A former Dracut man was also indicted for pandemic relief fraud while employed by the U.S. Labor Department.
A federal grand jury indicted Abraham Shafi, 38, with eight felony charges, including six county of wire fraud. https://t.co/qNs20NpyOv
Two church leaders, including a woman arrested in Florida, have been indicted in a forced labor and money laundering scheme that prosecutors say victimized people in Florida and three other states. https://t.co/53lHXbSrC8
Former Dracut man indicted for pandemic relief fraud while employed by U.S. Labor Department https://t.co/48cD5NeuDO