DOJ: Virginia Senator charged with drug trafficking

Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas, one of the state’s most influential Democrats, was charged Thursday in connection with an alleged criminal enterprise that federal authorities say acquired and distributed large quantities of marijuana and laundered the proceeds. An indictment unsealed Thursday charged Lucas and six other defendants, including several of her relatives, with offenses including drug trafficking and money laundering, according to the Department of Justice. Lucas surrendered to authorities, a department spokesperson said. The charges follow FBI searches in May of Lucas’ hometown office and a cannabis shop in which she holds a stake.