Virginia Dem Indicted in Alleged Marijuana Trafficking Scheme

Virginia state Sen. Lillie Louise Lucas was indicted Thursday on five federal charges tied to an alleged marijuana distribution operation that prosecutors say generated millions of dollars through a criminal enterprise involving members of her family.

The 82-year-old Democrat is one of seven people charged in the federal racketeering case, per Fox News.

Her two daughters, Lisa Lucas-Burke and Theresa Lucas-Lamb, and her grandson Ryan Eichelberger are among those named in the indictment.

Attorney General Todd Blanche said Lucas used her position in Virginia government to help protect the alleged operation and advance its financial interests.

“Louise Lucas has served in a position of public trust in the Commonwealth of Virginia for over three decades,” Blanche said. He accused her and the other defendants of placing their financial interests ahead of their responsibilities to the public.

Lucas has represented Virginia in the state Senate since 1991 and has served as president pro tempore since 2020. She has also chaired the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee since 2024.

According to the Justice Department, Lucas and her alleged co-conspirators operated what prosecutors called the “Lucas Enterprise,” with the senator allegedly using her political influence to help shield the business from scrutiny and influence marijuana-related legislation.

Prosecutors say Lucas was involved in obtaining and distributing at least 100 kilograms of marijuana and laundering proceeds from its sales.

The indictment alleges Lucas opened The CBD Shoppe and The Cannabis Outlet in 2019, before Virginia legalized recreational marijuana in 2021. She and Lucas-Burke later opened another Cannabis Outlet location in Portsmouth.