Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas, one of the state’s most influential Democratic lawmakers, was indicted Thursday on federal charges involving an alleged marijuana trafficking operation, money laundering and political corruption. The 82-year-old Portsmouth legislator, who serves as president pro tempore of the Virginia Senate, is accused of using her political influence to protect and financially benefit a criminal enterprise.
Today, federal prosecutors announced an eight-count indictment charging Lucas and six others in an alleged racketeering conspiracy involving marijuana distribution, money laundering, bribery, wire fraud and firearms-related offenses. According to the Justice Department, the operation involved members of Lucas’s family and associates who allegedly distributed at least 100 kilograms of marijuana and laundered proceeds from the business.
Federal investigators allege that Lucas directed activities within the organization and used her position as chair of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee to influence legislation and shield the operation from scrutiny. Prosecutors also accuse her of failing to disclose a business investment connected to a potential recreational marijuana license. FBI agents searched two cannabis-related businesses in Portsmouth in May, recovering marijuana and firearms.
Lucas, who has served in the Virginia Senate for more than three decades, has been a prominent advocate for marijuana legalization and a vocal critic of President Trump. Following the earlier federal searches, she characterized the investigation as politically motivated. Responding to Thursday’s indictment, Brian Woolfolk, chief counsel for the L. Louise Lucas Legal Defense Fund, said the defense had anticipated the development and would provide a more detailed response after reviewing the charges.
The indictment represents a major legal development involving one of Virginia’s highest-ranking state lawmakers. Lucas surrendered to federal authorities Thursday, according to the Justice Department. The charges remain allegations, and Lucas and the other defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
