Virginia Sen. Louise Lucas faces federal drug and money laundering charges

Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas and six others have been indicted on federal charges involving an alleged marijuana distribution and money laundering operation, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. Lucas surrendered and was expected to appear in federal court Thursday afternoon.

Authorities allege Lucas used her political influence to protect the operation from scrutiny and shape legislation for financial gain. The charges remain allegations, and her defense said it was awaiting more information before offering a detailed response.

The indictment describes an operation spanning several years in which Lucas, relatives and associates allegedly obtained and distributed marijuana and laundered the proceeds, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. Several relatives are among the six other defendants.

Lucas, 82, represents a district that includes Portsmouth and has served in the Virginia Senate since 1992. She is the Senate president pro tempore and leads its Finance and Appropriations Committee.

The FBI searched her hometown office and a cannabis shop in which she holds a stake in May. Lucas helped open The Cannabis Outlet in 2021 to sell hemp and CBD products. Marijuana possession is legal in Virginia, but recreational retail sales have not begun, according to the report.

Investigators also used court-approved wiretaps. The Justice Department sent notices to journalists, politicians and others whose communications with Lucas had been intercepted, ABC7 Los Angeles reported.

Attorney General Todd Blanche denied that the case was politically motivated and said the investigation predated the second Trump administration. A person familiar with the May search had previously told The Associated Press that the investigation began during the Biden administration.

Lucas has portrayed the investigation as intimidation. Brian Woolfolk, chief counsel for the L. Louise Lucas Legal Defense Fund, said the defense would wait for further details before providing a more specific response, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.