NORFOLK, Va. (Diya TV) — Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas surrendered to federal authorities Thursday after a grand jury indicted her and six others in an alleged marijuana distribution and money-laundering enterprise involving her family and business associates.
Prosecutors say Lucas, 82, used her position as president pro tempore and chair of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee to shield the operation and influence legislation for its benefit. The eight-count indictment alleges the group distributed at least 100 kilograms of marijuana and laundered the proceeds. The FBI estimates the alleged five-year scheme generated $4.5 million.
The indictment describes a business arrangement at the center of the case. Lucas and business partner Carlton Upton Jr. operated VA Freedom Life, which included The CBD Shoppe and The Cannabis Outlet. Lucas and her daughter Lisa Lucas-Burke opened the Portsmouth shop in 2021. Prosecutors allege that Lucas’ daughter Theresa Lucas-Lamb and grandson Ryan Eichelberger acquired marijuana, managed the store and oversaw distribution.
In August 2022, Lucas allegedly paid $750,000 for full ownership of a company that prosecutors describe as a shell holding company for an associate’s expected state recreational-marijuana license. The indictment says she failed to disclose that interest on required financial forms. Prosecutors also allege she discussed the associate’s licensing prospects with lawmakers and received part of a repayment at the state Capitol.
Virginia had legalized adult possession, but licensed recreational sales have not started. The state plans to begin retail sales on July 1, 2027. Prosecutors allege the group distributed marijuana before the regulated market opened.
The FBI searched The Cannabis Outlet and The CBD Shoppe in May and recovered marijuana and firearms, according to the Justice Department. The indictment also includes allegations involving bribery, drug-involved premises, firearms and wire fraud; the seven defendants face different counts.
Lucas said in a statement that she would not be intimidated or bullied. Her defense fund’s lawyer called the indictment “the circus we always expected” and said they would respond as more details emerged. Attorney General Todd Blanche rejected claims that politics drove the case, saying the investigation began before President Donald Trump returned to office. The Associated Press reported that a person familiar with the investigation said it began under the Biden administration.
The indictment came less than two weeks before the Nov. 3 midterm elections, though Lucas is not up for reelection this year. Her daughter, Lisa Lucas-Burke, is running for Portsmouth City Council.
The charges remain allegations. Lucas and her co-defendants are presumed innocent unless prosecutors prove them guilty in court.
