Virginia Senator L. Louise Lucas Indicted in Marijuana Trafficking Conspiracy
The Democratic state senator and six others face federal charges including racketeering and money laundering.
Federal authorities have indicted Virginia Democratic state Sen. L. Louise Lucas, 82, along with six family members and associates, on charges stemming from a yearslong marijuana trafficking conspiracy and corruption probe. The indictment, unsealed Thursday, accuses Lucas of using her legislative office to support a criminal enterprise involved in a marijuana dispensary business.
Lucas, who previously spearheaded Virginia's redistricting effort that was later reversed by the state's Supreme Court, faces charges including racketeering, money laundering, drug trafficking, and fraud. Prosecutors allege that she and the other defendants arranged for the purchase and sale of over 100 kilograms of marijuana and laundered the profits. The indictment further states that Lucas allegedly used her positions as Virginia Senate pro tempore and chair of the Finance and Appropriations committee to shield her activities from scrutiny.
Lucas self-surrendered to authorities on Thursday morning. The federal corruption probe reportedly dates back to the Biden administration and became public in May when the FBI searched Lucas' office and a marijuana dispensary she owned. During those searches, both marijuana and firearms were recovered, though Lucas herself is not specifically charged with firearms offenses.
Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel were expected to announce the case at a news conference in Norfolk on Thursday.