Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas arrested on federal bribery and racketeering charges
State Sen. L. Louise Lucas and six relatives were taken into federal custody on allegations of illegal marijuana distribution, money laundering and bribery tied to her medical cannabis business.
Federal prosecutors announced on Oct. 22 that Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas and six co-defendants were arrested on charges of conspiring to distribute and possess marijuana, laundering money and accepting bribes linked to her legal medical cannabis operation. The indictment, filed Oct. 14 in the Eastern District of Virginia, alleges that Lucas arranged for the acquisition and distribution of large quantities of marijuana, supervised the laundering of proceeds and used her political influence to secure bribes while attempting to shape state legislation for personal benefit.
U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said the defendants, including two of Lucas’s daughters and a grandson, are in federal custody and are expected to appear in court Thursday. He described the alleged conduct as putting personal financial interests ahead of the public they serve.
In a post on X, Lucas said she will "fight back" and vowed not to be intimidated. The 82-year-old senator, who has served in the Virginia Senate since 1992 and holds the position of president pro tempore, has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump and a leading figure in the state’s recent redistricting effort.
FBI Director Kash Patel, speaking at the press conference, accused Lucas of exploiting her public office to protect a criminal enterprise. The investigation, which began years ago according to Blanche, also involved a May 6 FBI search of Lucas’s office and a cannabis retail store she co-owns in Portsmouth. The case remains under development.