Virginia Sen. Louise Lucas arrested on federal drug, corruption charges
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Virginia Sen. Louise Lucas is denying the charges. Photo: Kendall Warner/The Virginian-Pilot
Federal authorities charged Virginia Senate President pro tempore Louise Lucas with corruption Thursday, accusing her of using her political power to profit from an illegal marijuana operation.
Why it matters: The indictment, weeks before the midterms, raises questions about whether one of Virginia's most powerful Democrats sought to personally gain from the marijuana industry she helped shape.
Driving the news: Federal prosecutors accused Lucas of leading a criminal enterprise involving six others, including her two daughters and grandson, that they said illegally distributed marijuana, laundered money and sought to influence the state's recreational marijuana licensing process.
- Lucas surrendered to the federal authorities Thursday, according to the Justice Department, and is expected to appear in federal court Thursday afternoon.
- She faces five federal charges, including racketeering conspiracy, marijuana trafficking conspiracy and conspiracy to commit honest services fraud.
- FBI Director Kash Patel said at a Norfolk news conference that Lucas and her alleged associates accumulated $5 million in illicit proceeds over roughly five years.
Zoom in: Prosecutors allege Lucas, 82, used her position as chair of the powerful Senate Finance committee to influence marijuana legislation and help steer a recreational marijuana license to a business associate.
- In a February phone call cited in the indictment, Lucas allegedly described the licensing process as her "last chance at generational wealth," adding, "I've gotten too old to not be greedy."
What they're saying: Lucas pushed back against the charges and accused federal authorities of trying to silence her, according to a statement provided by attorney Brian Woolfolk.
- "I'm not new to this. I'm true to this," Lucas wrote. "I will not be intimidated. I will not be bullied. And I will not back down."
The investigation began before President Trump's return to office, Attorney General Todd Blanche said Thursday, rejecting accusations that the prosecution was politically motivated.
- Blanche also defended bringing charges less than two weeks before the midterms, noting Lucas isn't on the ballot — though her daughter Lisa Lucas-Burke is a candidate for Portsmouth City Council.
Catch up quick: FBI agents searched Lucas' Portsmouth office and neighboring Cannabis Outlet, which she co-owns, in May as part of the investigation.
- Lucas previously characterized the searches as political intimidation, while several Virginia Democrats questioned the investigation's motives.
The big picture: Lucas has served in the Virginia Senate since 1992 and chairs its powerful finance committee, giving her significant influence over state spending and legislation.
- She's become an online celebrity in recent years due to her profanity-laced memes and political trash talk aimed at Republicans and fellow Democrats.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.