The US Department of Justice announced federal charges against Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas on Oct. 22, alleging the powerful Portsmouth Democrat and vocal critic of President Donald Trump led a criminal marijuana enterprise.
An indictment charged Lucas and six other defendants, including members of her family. US Attorney General Todd Blanche told reporters in Norfolk that Lucas and the other defendants were in federal custody.
Blanche said the indictment alleges that Lucas arranged for the acquisition and distribution of marijuana, supervised the laundering of marijuana proceeds, used her political influence to demand and accept a bribe, and attempted to influence Virginia legislation to benefit herself and her family.
Virginia is in the process of setting up a retail cannabis market, but sales don’t begin until next year. Lucas owns a stake in a business that sells hemp and CBD products. Like marijuana, these products are derived from cannabis plants, but are currently legal to sell.
The charges against Lucas come after an FBI raid in May on her Portsmouth office as well as the cannabis shop that she has a stake in.
Lucas has been an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump and Republicans, and the Trump administration has been accused of mounting politically motivated investigations.
Blanche told reporters that the investigation into Lucas began “many years ago.”
“The facts and evidence will continue to guide our federal prosecutors in this case,” Blanche said.
Blanche was asked about the timing of the charges against Lucas, which were announced less than two weeks before the important midterm elections that will determine the partisan balance of power in Washington.
“This was the right time to bring the charges,” Blanche said. “She’s not up for election.”
Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) did not initially comment on the indictment when asked about it by reporter Brad Kutner.
But in a statement released after this story originally published, Spanberger questioned the timing of the indictment.
“The timing of this indictment undermines the U.S. Department of Justice’s previously longstanding policy of not taking legal actions — to include indictments or significant investigative steps — close to an election,” Spanberger said. “And sadly, this timing further erodes the trust the American people deserve to have in the Department of Justice.”
Spanberger also said that Lucas and her family “deserve the opportunity to present their defense and speak to the allegations presented.”
What was Lucas’ response to the charges?
Lucas addressed the indictment today in a defiant post on social media, saying, “The FBI, the Department of Justice, and the full weight of the federal government have been wielded against an 82-year-old great-grandmother.”
“I grew up under Jim Crow,” Lucas posted. “I’ve seen what happens when people in power try to silence those who stand up to them. I spent my life fighting back, and I’m not stopping now.”
Lucas continued: “I’m not new to this. I’m true to this. I will not be intimidated. I will not back down.”
Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Mount Vernon) issued a statement in support of Lucas. Surovell praised Lucas’ public service and said she deserves the same presumption of innocence every American is entitled to. Surovell also said the investigation into Lucas has been driven by politics.
“The Department of Justice is led by the President’s former personal attorney, and this prosecution is being brought by the most corrupt administration in American history,” Surovell said.
Blanche represented Trump in three criminal cases before ascending to the role of US Attorney General.
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones also said in a statement that Lucas is entitled to due process under the law and is innocent until proven guilty.
“The allegations against her must be rigorously tested through a full and fair legal process free from political interference or bias,” Jones said.
This story was updated to include Spanberger’s statement.
