# Virginia Democrat charged in cannabis corruption case

> Federal authorities charge state Sen. L. Louise Lucas with racketeering and money laundering tied to a marijuana business she co-owns, just before midterm elections.
- Title: Virginia Democrat charged in cannabis corruption case
- Summary: Federal authorities charge state Sen. L. Louise Lucas with racketeering and money laundering tied to a marijuana business she co-owns, just before midterm…
- Keywords: l. louise lucas, virginia state senate, public corruption, cannabis business, racketeering, money laundering, justice department, midterm elections, politics, news, Virginia, Democrat
- Source: NBC News — https://nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/virginia-state-senator-l-louise-lucas-charged-public-corruption-case-d-rcna604870
- Author: Ryan J. Reilly
- Published: 2026-10-22T13:56:15.175+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: l. louise lucas, virginia state senate, public corruption, cannabis business, racketeering, money laundering, justice department, midterm elections, politics, news
## Prominent Virginia Democrat charged
Federal authorities charged Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas, an eighty-two-year-old prominent Democrat and frequent Trump critic, with racketeering and money laundering conspiracy on Thursday.
## Cannabis business at centre of case
The charges relate to an alleged public corruption scheme involving a cannabis business Lucas co-owns called The Cannabis Outlet, located on High Street in Portsmouth.
## Multiple charges and co-conspirators
Lucas was charged with racketeering, money laundering conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute marijuana. A half dozen others were also in custody and charged in the alleged scheme.
## Timing raises political questions
The charges came just twelve days before midterm elections. The Justice Department typically avoids taking overt investigative steps against political figures so close to an election.
## Investigation predates Trump term
The investigation into Lucas predates the Trump administration, NBC News previously reported, though the timing of the charges remains unusual for federal authorities.
## Allegations of using political power
The indictment alleges Lucas used her political position in the Virginia state senate to insulate the enterprise from criminal scrutiny and to further wealth accumulation.
## Intercepted call reveals motive
In an intercepted February twenty twenty-six phone call, Lucas allegedly told an alleged co-conspirator this was their last chance at generational wealth, saying I've gotten too old to not be greedy.

> I've gotten too old to not be greedy
## Congressman questions DOJ motives
U.S. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, D-Va., said his communications with Lucas were monitored and accused the Justice Department of becoming Trump's personal law firm carrying out vendettas.
## Lucas's long political career
Lucas was elected to Portsmouth City Council more than four decades ago and to the Virginia General Assembly in nineteen ninety-one, becoming one of the state's most powerful Democrats.
## Marijuana legalization context
Lucas has been a proponent of marijuana legalization in Virginia. The state allows possession for adults over twenty-one, with licensed retail sales set to begin July first, twenty twenty-seven.
## Key takeaway

Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas, a prominent Democrat, was charged with racketeering, money laundering and marijuana distribution conspiracy involving a cannabis business she co-owns.