An 82-year-old American senator, L. Louise Lucas, has been indicted alongside six others over an alleged illegal marijuana distribution network and a money laundering scheme, according to reports by CNN.
Lucas, a Democrat who serves as president pro tempore of Virginia’s Senate, faces multiple charges, including racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to possess and distribute marijuana, and conspiracy to launder money.
According to the indictment, Lucas allegedly operated several businesses involved in buying and selling illegal quantities of marijuana to generate wealth for her family.
The case also involves members of her family, including her daughter, Lisa Lucas-Burke, who is currently seeking election to the Portsmouth City Council.
FBI Director Kash Patel alleged that Lucas exploited her political position to shield the businesses from criminal investigations and influence legislation for personal financial gain.
Announcing the charges, Patel said Lucas allegedly worked with “a close-knit group of family members and associates” to build what he described as a “criminal marijuana enterprise”.
Lucas, who has publicly supported the legalisation of marijuana in Virginia, surrendered to law enforcement, according to a spokesperson for the United States Justice Department.
Reacting to the indictment on Thursday, the senator criticised the federal government’s actions, portraying them as an attempt to target an elderly public official.
“Today, the FBI, the Department of Justice, and the full weight of the federal government have been wielded against an 82-year-old great-grandmother.
“I grew up under Jim Crow. I’ve seen what happens when people in power try to silence those who stand up to them. I spent my life fighting back, and I’m not stopping now,” she said.
Prosecutors further alleged that Lucas paid $750,000 to acquire full ownership of a shell holding company purportedly established to help an associate secure a Virginia licence to sell marijuana.
The Justice Department claimed that Lucas later received what it described as a bribery payment from the associate but failed to disclose her interest in the company in the financial interest declarations she was required to submit as a legislator.
The indictment also alleges that Lucas discussed obtaining a recreational marijuana licence with an unidentified associate and sharing the proceeds from the business.
Earlier this year, FBI agents searched two of Lucas’s marijuana shops as part of an investigation that began under former President Joe Biden. According to the indictment, agents recovered marijuana and firearms from both locations.
Virginia recently enacted a law permitting regulated retail marijuana sales from July 1, 2027.
The indictment comes just weeks before Election Day, although Lucas is not seeking re-election this year.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger said Lucas and her family should be allowed to defend themselves against the allegations. She also questioned the timing of the indictment, warning that it could further undermine public confidence in the Justice Department.
The charges against Lucas remain allegations, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
