Overview
- Tompkins filed a motion in federal court Friday seeking dismissal of two extortion counts, arguing the indictment contains factual errors and fails to allege a quid pro quo or any concrete official act.
- His lawyers contend he made a standard $50,000 investment, was entitled to the value of his equity, and that any repayment request was lawful, citing a 2019 letter about a hiring program that predates the alleged benefits.
- Prosecutors say he pressured a company executive for pre-IPO shares in 2020, bought more than 14,000 shares at $1.73, saw the value spike at the 2021 IPO, then fall, and later secured repayments labeled "loan repayment," including checks issued between May 2022 and July 2023.
- The defense says the repayment was used to support his reelection campaign and that, at the time of his request, the shares were worth more than the $50,000 he sought.
- Tompkins was arrested Aug. 8 on two counts of extortion under color of official right, has pleaded not guilty, stepped away from his sheriff duties, is free on $200,000 bond, and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.