Crime · Portsmouth, VA
Virginia State Sen. Louise Lucas Charged in Alleged Marijuana Criminal Enterprise
Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas, who has served since 1992 and represents a district including her hometown of Portsmouth, was charged Thursday in federal court in Norfolk with leading what authorities allege was a multi-year marijuana distribution and money laundering enterprise. The indictment names seven defendants, including two of Lucas' daughters and a grandson, alleging she used her position as chairwoman of the Senate Finance Committee to shield the operation from scrutiny. Lucas surrendered and appeared briefly in court before being released on her own recognizance; an arraignment is scheduled for next month. The FBI searched her hometown office and cannabis shop, The Cannabis Outlet, in May 2025.