Virginia State Senator L. Louise Lucas indicted on federal drug and money laundering charges

Federal prosecutors have charged Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas and six others, including relatives, with running a marijuana trafficking and money laundering enterprise.

• The indictment, unsealed Thursday, charges Lucas with racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to possess and distribute marijuana, and conspiracy to launder money.
• Lucas surrendered Thursday, a Justice Department spokesperson said, months after the FBI searched her office and a cannabis shop in which she holds a stake.
• FBI Director Kash Patel alleged Lucas used her Senate finance committee position to insulate "the Lucas Enterprise" from criminal scrutiny and influence legislation for personal benefit.
• Prosecutors allege Lucas paid $750,000 for a stake in a shell company to secure a marijuana license and later received a bribery payment from the co-conspirator.