Virginia Senator Louise Lucas Indicted in Marijuana Scheme

Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas surrendered to federal authorities after being indicted on five charges. Lucas, 82 and president pro tempore of the Virginia Senate, is charged in connection with a Portsmouth cannabis shop she co-owned. Six others face charges too, including her daughters and grandson. The case involves at least 100 kilograms of marijuana. The charges followed an FBI search of Lucas' office and the shop in May. Lucas called the search an attempt to intimidate her. Her defense fund's chief counsel said it would respond after reviewing the allegations. The charges were announced less than two weeks before the midterm elections, prompting scrutiny of their timing even though her Senate seat was not on the ballot. CONTESTED: none found. The allegations have not been proven in court.