82-year-old US senator indicted for running marijuana ring

Virginia Senate President pro tempore L. Louise Lucas. Photo: Ryan M. Kelly/AP/File

An 82-year-old United States senator, L. Louise Lucas, has been indicted alongside six others over an alleged conspiracy to sell marijuana illegally and launder the proceeds, CNN reports on Thursday.

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 to build her family’s wealth.

The indictment also names members of her family, including her daughter, Lisa Lucas-Burke, who is running for a seat on the Portsmouth City Council.

FBI Director Kash Patel alleged that Lucas used her political position to protect 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 build what he described as a “criminal marijuana enterprise”.

Lucas, who has advocated for the legalisation of marijuana in Virginia, surrendered to law enforcement, according to a United States Justice Department spokesperson.

Responding to the charges on Thursday, she 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.

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“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 also accused Lucas of paying $750,000 for full ownership of a shell holding company allegedly established to help an associate obtain a Virginia licence to sell marijuana.

The Justice Department alleged that Lucas subsequently received what it described as a bribery payment from the associate and failed to disclose her interest in the company in the economic interest forms she was required to file as a legislator.

The indictment further alleges that Lucas discussed a recreational marijuana licence with an unidentified associate and the sharing of proceeds from the business.

Earlier this year, FBI agents searched two of Lucas’s marijuana shops as part of an investigation that began under former President Joe Biden. According to the indictment, agents recovered marijuana and firearms from both locations.

Virginia recently passed 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.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger said Lucas and her family should have the opportunity to defend themselves against the allegations. She also questioned the timing of the indictment, saying it could further erode public trust in the Justice Department.

The charges against Lucas remain allegations, and she is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.