Virginia Senator Louise Lucas Surrenders on 5 Federal Counts in Alleged 100-Kilogram Marijuana Scheme
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Oct 22
Virginia Senator Louise Lucas Surrenders on 5 Federal Counts in Alleged 100-Kilogram Marijuana Scheme
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Oct 22
Summary
Lucas, 82, surrendered Thursday morning in Norfolk after a federal grand jury indictment charged her with five counts tied to bribery, racketeering, money laundering and illegal marijuana distribution.
Prosecutors say she led the scheme since at least 2019 through The Cannabis Outlet, using her Senate influence to protect the operation while directing sales of more than 100 kilograms of marijuana.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the enterprise generated nearly $5 million in illicit gains; the indictment also names Lucas's two daughters, grandson and three other co-defendants.
Lucas vowed on X to fight the case and cast it as political retaliation, while Attorney General Todd Blanche said the investigation began years ago and denied any election-related motive.
The charges land weeks before November voting and as Virginia prepares to launch regulated recreational marijuana sales next year, after Lucas had backed legalization measures in the state Senate.