Federal prosecutors allege the powerful Democratic lawmaker used her political influence to protect a multimillion-dollar cannabis operation; Lucas calls the investigation political intimidation.
NORFOLK, Va. — Virginia State Sen. Louise Lucas, one of the commonwealth’s most influential Democratic lawmakers, has been indicted on federal racketeering, marijuana distribution, money laundering and public corruption charges stemming from an alleged criminal enterprise involving her family’s cannabis businesses.
The eight-count indictment, unsealed Thursday, alleges that Lucas, 82, used her legislative position to protect and financially benefit a marijuana distribution operation based in Portsmouth.
Lucas surrendered to federal authorities, according to U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, who announced the charges during a news conference in Norfolk. Six others, including members of Lucas’ family and business associates, were also taken into custody.
Federal prosecutors allege that Lucas directed an organization they identified as the “Lucas Enterprise,” which distributed at least 100 kilograms of marijuana and laundered proceeds from illegal sales.
FBI Director Kash Patel said investigators believe the operation generated nearly $5 million over approximately five years.
“The purpose of her enterprise included trafficking large quantities of illegal marijuana, creating generational wealth for members and associates of her criminal enterprise,” Patel said.
Allegations of Political Influence and Financial Gain
At the center of the investigation are allegations that Lucas used her powerful position as chair of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee to influence marijuana legislation, protect her business interests and help associates obtain lucrative cannabis licenses.
Lucas and her daughter, Lisa Lucas-Burke, opened The Cannabis Outlet in Portsmouth in 2021. Prosecutors allege that other family members and business partners helped acquire and distribute marijuana through the operation.
Those identified in the indictment include Lucas’ daughters, Lisa Lucas-Burke and Theresa Lucas-Lamb; her grandson, Ryan Eichelberger; and associates Carlton Upton Jr., Prince Albert William Hudson III and Tamika Johnson.
Prosecutors also allege that Lucas made a $750,000 payment in 2022 to acquire ownership of a company connected to an anticipated recreational marijuana license, then failed to disclose that financial interest on required state forms.
According to the indictment, Lucas subsequently discussed licensing opportunities with an unnamed co-conspirator while seeking repayment of money she believed she was owed.
In a February 2026 telephone conversation cited by prosecutors, Lucas allegedly described a potential marijuana licensing arrangement as “our last chance at generational wealth.”
The indictment further alleges that business associate Carlton Upton Jr. submitted false information in a 2020 federal disaster loan application that resulted in an $11,800 payment.
Federal Investigation Began Months Earlier
The indictment follows federal searches conducted May 6 at Lucas’ Portsmouth legislative office and cannabis businesses.
During those searches, FBI agents reportedly recovered marijuana and firearms from The Cannabis Outlet and The CBD Shoppe. Witnesses described federal agents removing boxes from the senator’s office while armed officers secured nearby business locations.
Lucas, who arrived after the operation began, said at the time that she did not know what investigators were seeking.
Although Virginia legalized recreational marijuana possession in 2021, the state has not yet established a fully operational legal recreational retail market. Lawmakers approved a regulatory framework earlier this year, with retail sales scheduled to begin next summer.
Lucas’ cannabis business had previously faced scrutiny. A 2022 Virginia Mercury investigation identified labeling discrepancies and products containing levels of THC that made them illegal to sell under Virginia law at the time.
Note: In June 2020, a crowd gathered in Portsmouth, Virginia, to deface and dismantle a Confederate monument—with State Senator Louise Lucas amongst them. Lucas is captured on police body-worn camera telling officers on scene, “I’m Senator Louise Lucas. I know I’m in disguise, but they are going to put some paint on this thing. You can not arrest them. You need to call Dr. Patton (the city manager), because they are going to do it. You can’t stop them. This is city property.” When Angela Greene, then police chief, told protesters to stop their vandalism and alerted Lucas that they were “not authorized to be on the property,” Lucas replied “They are now. They are now. This is city-owned property.” Greene assured Lucas that she had, in fact, just spoken to the city manager and confirmed that no such action was permitted. Chief Greene refused to back down. She later launched an investigation and announced felony charges (including injury to a monument and conspiracy) against Senator Lucas and several others for their lawlessness that day. Shockingly, the felony charges against Senator Lucas and the other defendants were dismissed later that year…And Chief Greene was wrongfully terminated for upholding the law.
The indictment comes just 12 days before the November midterm elections, raising questions about the timing of the Justice Department’s announcement.
Federal officials maintain that the investigation began years before the current Trump administration.
“We’re here today because of facts and evidence,” Blanche said, emphasizing that a federal grand jury had reviewed the allegations before returning the indictment.
Virginia Political Leaders React
The charges have generated significant reaction among Virginia’s political leadership.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger emphasized Lucas’ right to defend herself while questioning the timing of the indictment.
“She and her family deserve the opportunity to present their defense and speak to the allegations presented,” Spanberger said.
The governor also argued that bringing the charges so close to an election undermines longstanding Justice Department practices intended to avoid influencing electoral outcomes.
Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, called for restraint, emphasizing that Lucas remains innocent unless proven guilty.
Virginia House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, similarly criticized what he characterized as the Trump administration’s weaponization of the justice system, while acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations.
Republican House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore took a different approach, saying the matter should be decided in court rather than through political debate.
“The charges against Senator Lucas are serious, and go beyond the world of politics. They will be resolved via our judicial system, as they should,” Kilgore said.
Uncertain Future for Powerful Senate Leader
Lucas has represented Portsmouth in the Virginia Senate since 1992 and has served as Senate president pro tempore since 2020. As chair of the Finance and Appropriations Committee, she holds substantial influence over Virginia’s budget, taxation and spending priorities.
Her political influence has been particularly visible during recent budget negotiations, including disputes over tax exemptions for data centers.
The indictment raises questions about her continued leadership responsibilities and the potential consequences for the upcoming legislative session.
For now, Lucas has indicated she intends to fight the charges, while federal prosecutors maintain that the allegations involve a public official who placed personal financial interests ahead of her responsibilities to constituents.
The criminal case now moves into the federal judicial system, where prosecutors will be required to prove their allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
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