US Senator, 82, Indicted Over Alleged Illegal Marijuana Sales, Money Laundering

An 82-year-old United States senator, L. Louise Lucas, has been indicted alongside six others over an alleged conspiracy involving illegal marijuana sales and money laundering.

CNN reported on Thursday that Lucas, a Democrat who serves as president pro tempore of Virginia’s Senate, faces charges including racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to possess and distribute marijuana, and conspiracy to launder money.

According to the indictment reported by CNN, Lucas allegedly operated several businesses that bought and sold illegal quantities of marijuana as part of a scheme to build her family’s wealth.

The indictment also lists

members of her family, including her daughter, Lisa Lucas-Burke, who is seeking election to the Portsmouth City Council.

FBI Director Kash Patel alleged that Lucas exploited her political position to shield the businesses from criminal scrutiny and influence legislation for financial gain.

In a statement announcing the charges, Patel said Lucas allegedly worked with “a close-knit group of family members and associates” to establish what he described as a “criminal marijuana enterprise”.

Lucas, a long-time advocate of marijuana legalisation in Virginia, surrendered to law enforcement, according to a spokesperson for the United States Department of Justice.

Reacting to the indictment on Thursday, the senator criticised the federal government’s actions, describing 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 subsequently received what it described as a bribery payment from the associate but failed to disclose her interest in the company in the economic interest forms she was required to file as a legislator.

The indictment also alleges that Lucas discussed obtaining a recreational marijuana licence with an unidentified associate and arrangements for sharing proceeds from the business.

Earlier this year, FBI agents searched two marijuana shops linked to Lucas as part of an investigation that began under former United States 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 weeks before Election Day, although Lucas is not seeking re-election this year.

Meanwhile, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger said Lucas and her family should be given the opportunity to defend themselves against the allegations.

Spanberger 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.