United States federal authorities have indicted Virginia Democratic State Senator L. Louise Lucas and six others over an alleged marijuana trafficking conspiracy and related financial crimes.
The 82-year-old lawmaker, who has wielded considerable influence in Virginia politics, is accused of using her legislative position to support an alleged criminal enterprise linked to a medical marijuana dispensary business.
According to a 45-page indictment unsealed on Thursday, the charges include racketeering, money laundering, drug trafficking and fraud.
Prosecutors allege that Lucas and the other defendants arranged the purchase and sale of more than 100 kilogrammes of marijuana and laundered the proceeds.
Those charged alongside Lucas include her two daughters, a grandson and other associates.
The indictment further alleges that Lucas used her positions as Virginia Senate president pro tempore and chair of the Finance and Appropriations Committee to shield the alleged activities from scrutiny.
Lucas surrendered to federal authorities on Thursday morning, according to a Justice Department official.
The investigation became publicly known in May, when the Federal Bureau of Investigation searched Lucas’ office and a medical marijuana dispensary business she owned. Sources cited by ABC News said the probe began during the administration of former President Joe Biden.
The case has attracted political attention because Lucas previously led a Democratic redistricting initiative in Virginia, which was overturned by the state’s Supreme Court earlier this year.
Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, US Attorney General Todd Blanche rejected suggestions that the prosecution was politically motivated.
“We don’t do political paybacks,” Blanche said, arguing that the investigation predated the current leadership of the Justice Department and FBI.
Blanche was also questioned about the department’s unwritten practice of avoiding overt investigative steps within 60 days of an election, particularly because Lucas’ daughter, who is among those charged, is a candidate in the upcoming election.
He maintained that the prosecution was not improper, saying the Justice Department could not bring charges for an illegitimate purpose.
Blanche also noted that Lucas herself was not due for re-election.
Recreational marijuana distribution remains illegal in Virginia, according to the report.
The allegations against Lucas and the other defendants remain subject to the legal process, and the indictment does not by itself establish their guilt.
