Virginia State Senator L. Louise Lucas Charged in Marijuana Racketeering Case

Democratic State Senator Louise Lucas has been indicted for allegedly operating an illicit family cannabis business, while claiming political persecution ahead of the midterms.

The US Attorney General and the director of the FBI have announced an indictment against Louise Lucas, an 82-year-old Democratic state senator from Virginia, CNBC and ynet reported. According to the charges, Lucas exploited her public office to run an illegal family cannabis venture that generated approximately $4.5 million over five years, as part of a racketeering case.

In response, Lucas, a prominent critic of President Donald Trump, denied the allegations and claimed she is facing political persecution and an attempt to silence her ahead of the midterm elections. The reports noted that while the investigation predates the current Trump administration, investigators possess covert audio recordings of the lawmaker. Further details regarding legal proceedings have not yet been released.