Virginia Senate President indicted in Richmond on marijuana racketeering charges

Virginia Senate President Louise Lucas was indicted on five federal counts, including racketeering and fraud, according to a report by wcbm.com.

The indictment alleges Lucas led a multi-million-dollar drug trafficking and money laundering enterprise involving recreational marijuana retail sales in Virginia.

Lucas is accused of using her influence as Senate president to profit from the marijuana industry, including a $750,000 payment for a shell company expected to obtain a recreational marijuana license.

The indictment details that Lucas pressed for recreational marijuana legislation for years, which was initially blocked by Governor Glenn Youngkin, but after Democrats won the governor’s mansion and House, she resumed efforts to carry the legislation as chief co-patron.

Texts cited in the indictment show Lucas discussing business plans and payments related to the marijuana licensing scheme with a co-conspirator, including meetings at the state capitol office in Richmond.