Democratic Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas charged with drug trafficking, money laundering: DOJ

Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas was charged in connection with what federal authorities are alleging was a leading role in a criminal enterprise trafficking marijuana and laundering the proceeds. 

An indictment unsealed on Thursday charged Lucas and six other defendants, including several of her relatives, the Justice Department said in a statement. 

Lucas surrendered to authorities, a Justice Department spokesperson told the Associated Press. 

Authorities in May searched Lucas' hometown office and a cannabis shop in which she had a stake. Lucas had characterized the search as an attempt by the Trump administration to intimidate her. She has been an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump and his administration. 

Brian Woolfolk, chief counsel for the L. Louise Lucas Legal Defense Fund, told the Associated Press that the case is a "circus," as they expected it would be. 

"We will wait for further details to have a more specific response,” Woolfolk said. 

In a statement, FBI Director Kash Patel said that the charges against Lucas involve "a close-knit group of family members and associates." They allegedly orchestrated a scheme over years to enrich their own criminal marijuana enterprise, and Lucas used her position as chairwoman of the "Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee to insulate the enterprise from criminal scrutiny and influencing legislation to financially benefit themselves, according to Patel. 

“No one is above the law, and this FBI will continue to follow the facts with our Justice Department and ensure those responsible for criminal conduct are held accountable," Patel said.