Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas charged with drug trafficking and money laundering: DOJ
RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas, one of the state's most powerful Democrats, was charged Thursday in connection with what federal authorities alleged was a leadership role in a criminal enterprise that acquired and distributed large quantities of marijuana and laundered the proceeds.
An indictment unsealed Thursday charged Lucas and six co-defendants, including several of her relatives, according to a statement from the Department of Justice issued ahead of a scheduled news conference.
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A Justice Department spokesperson said Lucas self-surrendered to authorities.
The charges follow a May operation in which the FBI searched Lucas' hometown office and a cannabis shop in which she holds a stake.
At the time of the search, Lucas, who has been a critic of Republican President Donald Trump's administration, characterized the federal action as an attempt to intimidate her.
The Associated Press was attempting to contact attorneys for Lucas for comment on the charges.
READ THE INDICTMENT: The 45-page indictment charges Lucas with Racketeering Conspiracy (Count 1), Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana (Count 2), Conspiracy to Launder Money (Count 3), Conspiracy to Commit Honest Services Fraud (Count 4), and Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises (Count 5).
RICHMOND, VA - FEBRUARY 20: Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas (D-18) at work in the statehouse, on February, 20, 2019 in Richmond, VA. (Photo by Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
The Source: Information in this article comes from ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and SARAH RANKIN , Associated Press.