Virginia Senator Accused of Using Power to Shield Cannabis Business
Federal prosecutors allege Louise Lucas exploited her legislative role to protect a hemp venture from scrutiny, a move critics say undermines trust in the Justice Department.
By Camila Rodriguez ·
Virginia state Senator Louise Lucas has been placed in federal custody following a series of corruption charges linked to a cannabis business she co-owns. The 82-year-old Democrat, who serves as president pro tempore of the state senate, surrendered to authorities this week. She is one of seven individuals taken into custody, including family members, in a case that prosecutors say involves racketeering and money laundering conspiracies.
The indictment alleges that Lucas and her co-conspirators used various business entities to conceal proceeds from the illegal distribution of marijuana. Federal officials claim Lucas leveraged her political position to shield the enterprise from criminal investigation, prioritizing personal wealth accumulation over her duties to constituents. A key part of the evidence includes an intercepted phone call from February 2026, in which Lucas is reported to have stated, "I’ve gotten too old to not be greedy."
Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel announced the charges during a press conference in Norfolk. Blanche emphasized that the case is not a political payback, inviting the public to review the indictment. He stated that the Department of Justice intends to prove that Lucas violated the trust of the people of Portsmouth and Chesapeake, as well as her legislative colleagues. He argued that her primary duty should have been to look out for her constituents before herself.
The timing of the indictment has drawn attention because it arrives just 12 days before the midterm elections. While Lucas is not running for re-election this year, she has strong ties to other prominent Democrats on the ballot. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger noted in a statement that the move undermines the longstanding policy of avoiding significant legal actions close to an election. Spanberger said she read the charging document and affirmed that Lucas is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Lucas, who has served in the state senate for 34 years, responded to the charges via social media. She described the federal action as the full weight of the government being wielded against an 82-year-old great-grandmother. She said, "I spent my life fighting back and I’m not stopping now." She characterized the administration's approach as a pattern of intimidation when challenged.
The investigation predates the current administration, with federal agents searching Lucas’s Portsmouth office and The Cannabis Outlet in May. The store, which Lucas opened in 2021, sells legal hemp and CBD products, though it has faced local scrutiny over product labeling. Virginia has legalized the possession of marijuana, but retail sales for recreational use remain prohibited. Lucas has been a prominent advocate for marijuana legalization and has held leadership roles in the state senate, including chairing the Finance and Appropriations Committee.
Prior to her political career, Lucas was the first female shipfitter at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. In recent years, she has also served as CEO of a Portsmouth business providing services for adults with intellectual disabilities. Her office and legal counsel were contacted for further comment. The case is expected to move forward through the federal court system, with Lucas and her co-defendants scheduled to enter their pleas in the coming weeks.
Source: NBC4 Washington
