WATCH: Blanche and Patel announce charges for Democratic Virginia lawmaker Lucas
Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas, one of the state's most powerful Democrats, was charged on Thursday in connection with what federal authorities alleged was a role leading a wide-ranging criminal enterprise that acquired and distributed large quantities of marijuana and laundered the proceeds.
Virginia state Senator L. Louise Lucas, a prominent Democrat, was charged on Thursday in connection with a large-scale criminal operation involving marijuana distribution and money laundering. The charges stem from an alleged role Lucas played in leading the enterprise, which also involved several of her relatives. U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized that Lucas prioritized her own financial interests over the needs of her constituents.
Lucas surrendered and is set to make her first court appearance later that day. The charges include drug trafficking and money laundering, following FBI searches of Lucas's office and a cannabis shop she owns. The indictment came after months of sealed court records revealing that Lucas' communications had been intercepted as part of a wiretap.
Lucas has consistently defended herself against the charges, stating that she will not be intimidated or bullied.
Written by urgent.news from PBS NewsHour's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
