Virginia state senator charged with racketeering in public corruption case

Virginia state Senator L. Louise Lucas, a high-ranking Democrat, has been charged with racketeering, money laundering conspiracy, and conspiracy to distribute marijuana, according to NBC News. The charges are part of an alleged public corruption case involving a cannabis business she co-owns.

Lucas, aged 82, surrendered to authorities on Thursday, as reported by NBC News. Along with her, about half a dozen others, including her daughters, were also taken into custody and charged in connection with the scheme.

The investigation into Lucas began before the Trump administration, NBC News noted. The Justice Department's decision to bring charges just 12 days before a midterm election is considered unusual, as federal authorities typically avoid overt investigative actions against political figures near elections.

Lucas is not running for re-election this year but has connections to prominent Democrats who are on the ballot. She released a statement on social media asserting she will not be intimidated or back down in response to the charges, NBC News reported.