L. Louise Lucas, an influential Democratic state senator in Virginia and a prominent critic of President Trump, has been charged by federal prosecutors over an alleged illegal marijuana operation, CBS News reports.
A 45-page indictment filed in the Eastern District of Virginia accuses Lucas, 82, and six others, including two of her daughters and a grandson, of conspiring to distribute marijuana, money laundering and bribery. Prosecutors allege that since at least 2019 she ran the scheme through her medical cannabis business in Portsmouth and used her political influence to shape laws in her favour and shield it from state enforcement.
Lucas surrendered on Thursday morning and faces five of the eight counts. Federal agents searched her office and the shop she co-owns about six months ago. Attorney General Todd Blanche said the charges showed a public servant putting her own finances first.
Source: CBS News
