Virginia's L. Louise Lucas Indicted Over 100-Kilogram Marijuana Scheme as Democrats Urge Due Process
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 24
Virginia's L. Louise Lucas Indicted Over 100-Kilogram Marijuana Scheme as Democrats Urge Due Process
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 24
Summary
Federal prosecutors charged Virginia Senate President Pro Tempore L. Louise Lucas and six others in an alleged criminal enterprise tied to marijuana distribution, money laundering, bribery and fraud.
The indictment says the scheme distributed at least 100 kilograms of marijuana and generated about $4.5 million, with prosecutors alleging Lucas used her office to protect the operation and influence legislation.
Lucas denied wrongdoing after surrendering, calling herself an 82-year-old great-grandmother being targeted by the federal government and saying she would not be bullied into silence.
Virginia Democrats including Gov. Abigail Spanberger, Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi, AG Jay Jones, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine stressed Lucas' presumption of innocence, a contrast with their earlier rhetoric defending Trump prosecutions.
Justice Department officials rejected claims of political timing, saying the investigation began during the Biden administration, according to Blanche and reports from the AP, CBS News and The Washington Post.