Virginia Sen. L. Louise Lucas indicted in alleged cannabis enterprise

Federal authorities indicted Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas and six other people on charges tied to an alleged marijuana distribution and money-laundering enterprise, and Lucas surrendered to authorities Thursday, October 22. The indictment includes allegations that Lucas used her political position to protect the operation and advance its financial interests. The charges are accusations, not findings of guilt. The Justice Department said the indictment was unsealed Thursday. It charges Lucas with racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to launder money, among other offenses described in the charging documents. The six other defendants include several of Lucas’s relatives. The specific charges vary among the defendants. Federal authorities allege that the group used business entities to disguise proceeds from illegal marijuana distribution. The indictment further alleges that Lucas used her office in the Virginia Senate to shield the enterprise from criminal scrutiny and help it financially. FBI Director Kash Patel said the alleged operation generated $5 million in ill-gotten gains. The indictment also reportedly describes an intercepted...