The federal government took action Thursday morning against Virginia Senate President pro tempore L. Louise Lucas. She was arrested on charges of drug trafficking, fraud, and money laundering. Her office was already searched by the FBI back in May. Now she faces a 52-page indictment detailing a criminal enterprise she allegedly led.
According to RedState, the charges were unsealed in Norfolk, Virginia. Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel held a press conference to announce the news. They said the investigation started before the current administration took office. Lucas, her two daughters, a grandson, and three other associates are involved in the case.
Per The Federalist, the indictment calls her operation the “Lucas Enterprise.” Officials state that she utilized her position as Chairwoman of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee to shield this business. They say she insulated the group from scrutiny and influenced laws to make money.
Director Kash Patel declared that the accusations assert that Lucas, alongside a tight circle of family and associates, leveraged Lucas’ role as Chairwoman of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee to safeguard their illegal marijuana operation—the “Lucas Enterprise”—shielding the operation from legal investigation while swaying laws for their own financial gain.
Attorney General Blanche added that the behavior showed a public servant putting money ahead of the people. He remarked that the charges in this indictment expose how a public servant prioritized her personal financial interests over the citizens she was elected to serve.
The report details a wire-tapped phone call where Lucas discussed her goals. The document says she wanted to build “generational wealth.” It also quotes her saying she “got too old to not be greedy.” These words appear in the official charges filed Thursday.
Lucas surrendered to authorities and has been charged with racketeering and bribery. She was open about her business before this arrest. She asserted in January 2022 that she remained the sole barrier preventing the GOP from gaining total control of Virginia. She said her cannabis store was worth an RT.
After the charges came out, Lucas released a statement calling herself an 82-year-old great-grandmother. She claimed the government used unfair power against her. She stated that today, the FBI, the Department of Justice, and the entire federal government have been turned against an 82-year-old great-grandmother.
She also mentioned her past experiences, adding, “I grew up under Jim Crow.” She cautioned that she witnessed the consequences when powerful individuals attempt to silence those who oppose them. Other Democrats in the state have been quieter in their support.
Prosecutors say the facts and evidence led a grand jury to indict her. Attorney General Blanche observed that federal prosecutors will remain guided by the facts and evidence that prompted a grand jury to indict Ms. Lucas and her alleged co-conspirators. The legal process now moves forward for the senator and her family.
