Virginia Senator Who Calls Herself the ‘Casino Queen’ Indicted on Federal Charges

Virginia Sen. L. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth), the state’s self-described “Casino Queen,” has been indicted on federal drug trafficking and money laundering charges. Virginia Senate President Pro Tempore L. Louise Lucas reads to bring the state Senate to order ahead of Abigail Spanberger’s swearing-in on Jan. 17, 2026. Lucas has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly running an illegal marijuana business and laundering money. (Image: L. Louise Lucas/X) Lucas helped bring commercial casinos to the Commonwealth, including one in her hometown of Portsmouth, by leading legislation in 2020 to permit slot machines and table games in certain cities. But in recent years, federal prosecutors allege that the 82-year-old Senate president pro tempore led a criminal enterprise. The Department of Justice alleges that Lucas, along with several family members and coconspirators, engaged in a racketeering conspiracy involving marijuana distribution and the funneling of cannabis proceeds through illicit channels. The charges allege Lucas and a close-knit group of family members and associates used Lucas’ position as chairwoman of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee to protect their criminal marijuana enterprise—insulating the business from criminal scrutiny and influencing legislation to financially benefit themselves,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. The indictment alleges Lucas’ enterprise netted the conspirators an estimated $4.5 million over a five-year period. Indictment: CBD Stores Dealt Marijuana The federal charges allege that Lucas’ The Cannabis Outlet in Portsmouth and The CBD Shoppe in Norfolk sold illegal, unlicensed marijuana. As CBD businesses, The Cannabis Outlet and The CBD Shoppe were only legally allowed to sell hemp products with 0.3% THC or less by dry weight. THC is the primary psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant that gives users a “high.” The Cannabis Outlet and The CBD Shoppe did not hold medical marijuana licenses. The DOJ alleges that Lucas’ businesses sold medical-grade marijuana under the ruse of CBD hemp. The indictment cited an undercover federal agent allegedly being told by Lisa Lucas-Burke, the senator’s daughter, when they asked about the products being sold: “It’s not hemp. It’s THC,” Lucas-Burke allegedly said. Products purchased by undercover agents labeled as “Sativa” and “Indica” strains tested positive for THC levels higher than 0.3%, the indictment said. The DOJ alleges that the Lucas enterprise sold millions of dollars of illegal marijuana to consumers and laundered the proceeds. Federal raids of The Cannabis Outlet and The CBD Shoppe seized marijuana and firearms at both locations. Lucas faces five counts: racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, conspiracy to launder money, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, and maintaining a drug-involved premises. If convicted on all counts, Lucas is facing decades in prison. Senator Denies Charges In a statement, Lucas chalked up the federal indictment as a politically and racially motivated witch-hunt. The FBI, the Department of Justice, and the full weight of the federal government have been wielded against an 82-year-old great-grandmother,” Lucas said. “I grew up under Jim Crow. I’ve seen what happens when people in power try to silence those who stand up to them. I spent my life fighting back, and I’m not stopping now.” Lucas said she’s “not new to this” and “will not be intimidated.” The post Virginia Senator Who Calls Herself the ‘Casino Queen’ Indicted on Federal Charges appeared first on Casino.org.