Virginia Sen. L. Louise Lucas charged with drug trafficking and money laundering

Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas was charged Thursday with drug trafficking and money laundering, according to NBC12 and WTVR CBS 6. Federal authorities allege she led a criminal enterprise that acquired and distributed large amounts of marijuana and laundered the proceeds, the Department of Justice stated.

The indictment, unsealed Thursday, includes Lucas and six other defendants, some of whom are her relatives, WRIC 8News reported. The charges follow an FBI search in May of Lucas' district office in Portsmouth and a cannabis shop in which she has a stake.

Lucas surrendered to authorities on Thursday, a Justice Department spokesperson confirmed to WTVR CBS 6. She has served in the Virginia Senate since 1992 and currently holds the position of president pro tempore, overseeing the chamber in the lieutenant governor’s absence, as well as leading the Senate finance committee.

At the time of the FBI search, Lucas described it as an intimidation attempt. Her legal defense fund's chief counsel called the situation a 'circus,' and Lucas herself said she will not be intimidated or bullied, according to NBC12.

The charges come amid Lucas' long tenure as a prominent Democrat in Virginia politics, where she has influenced legislation through her committee leadership, WRIC 8News noted.