Suffolk County Sheriff Steven W. Tompkins pleaded not guilty Thursday to federal extortion charges during his first appearance in court in Massachusetts since he was accused two weeks ago of using his position to extort a cannabis company.

Tompkins, 68, did not comment after his arraignment at the federal courthouse in Boston, but his lawyer said he vowed to fight the case through to a trial.

“Steve Tompkins has devoted his life, professional life, to law enforcement,” attorney Martin G. Weinberg told media gathered outside the courthouse as his client stood behind him.

“It is my expectation — strong expectation — that a year or so from now, we’ll be walking out that door and that Mr. Tompkins will be found not guilty,” Weinberg said. “The facts simply will demonstrate that he was char

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