Federal prosecutors charged Virginia Sen. L. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth) with five crimes Thursday, alleging that she used her legislative influence to protect a marijuana trafficking operation involving relatives and business associates.
The indictment charges the 82-year-old state Senate finance chair with racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, and maintaining drug-involved premises.
The eight-count indictment names seven defendants. The firearm charge names Lucas’ grandson, Ryan Eichelberger, rather than Lucas. The charges remain allegations, and all defendants retain the presumption of innocence.
Lucas surrendered Thursday ahead of an anticipated initial federal court appearance that afternoon, the Associated Press reported, citing a Justice Department spokesperson.
Prosecutors allege that Lucas directed an operation that acquired and distributed at least 100 kilograms of marijuana and laundered the proceeds. She allegedly used her Senate position to shield the business from scrutiny and influence legislation for its benefit, the Justice Department announced.
The department also alleges that Lucas paid $750,000 in 2022 for a company connected to an anticipated recreational marijuana license and omitted that interest from required financial disclosures.
Lucas serves as Senate president pro tempore and chairs the Finance and Appropriations Committee, giving her influence over the state budget and legislation affecting state spending.
Lucas pushed back in a social media statement.
“I will not be intimidated. I will not be bullied. And I will not back down,” she said.
Brian Woolfolk, chief counsel for the L. Louise Lucas Legal Defense Fund, dismissed the announcement as a circus and said the defense would await further details before offering a more specific response, according to AP.
The charges follow FBI searches in May of Lucas’ Portsmouth office and a cannabis shop she co-owns. Lucas, a longtime advocate for marijuana legalization, helped open The Cannabis Outlet in 2021.
Attorney General Todd Blanche rejected political retaliation as a motive and said the investigation began before President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025, according to AP.
Provided by Dallas Express
