Virginia State Senator Louise Lucas has been indicted on five federal felony charges involving alleged money laundering, marijuana trafficking and bribery-related activities.
Six other people, including her daughters and grandson, are also facing charges.
According to the US Department of Justice, Lucas allegedly led a criminal operation involving family members and associates, arranging the acquisition and distribution of at least 100 kilograms of marijuana and overseeing the laundering of its proceeds.
The alleged scheme is estimated to be worth $4.5 million.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the indictment accuses Lucas of misusing her position as a state senator and Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee chairwoman to protect the alleged enterprise and influence legislation for financial gain.
Prosecutors also allege that Lucas invested $750,000 in a company linked to an expected recreational marijuana licence and failed to disclose the funds on required financial interest forms.
Lucas, who entered the Virginia Senate in 1991 and has served as president pro tempore since 2020, was scheduled to appear in federal court in Norfolk on October 22.
The indictment follows an FBI raid on her office and business in May. A Democratic state party leader previously suggested the raid was politically motivated, while a Republican lawmaker disputed that claim. The allegations remain accusations, and the charges have not been proven in court.
