A federal grand jury has indicted Virginia’s top Democratic senator and six family members, including two daughters and a grandson, for operating an illegal marijuana trafficking operation involving wire fraud and money laundering.
Louise Lucas, president pro tempore of the Virginia Senate, faces eight counts, including a firearms charge, alongside her daughters Lisa Lucas-Burke and Theresa Lucas-Lamb, her grandson Ryan Eichelberger, and business partner Carlton Upton Jr., 54. The indictment alleges Lucas directed operations to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana and supervised laundering of proceeds.
According to the Justice Department, Lucas exploited her political position to shield her enterprise from scrutiny and influence legislation benefiting it. In April 2020, Upton allegedly submitted false information on a $11,800 Economic Injury Disaster Loan application for Virginia Freedom Life, an umbrella organization she co-founded in 2019.
In 2021, Lucas and her daughter opened The Cannabis Outlet in Portsmouth, Virginia. The indictment states Theresa Lucas-Lamb and Ryan Eichelberger acquired marijuana, supervised its distribution, and managed the outlet for Lucas’ enterprise. Lucas listed herself as President and CEO of Virginia Freedom Life on a state ethics form dated February 1, 2022.
FBI agents discovered firearms during raids at two stores operated by the group. The Virginia Mercury reported that Lucas’ businesses sold delta-9 THC products exceeding legal limits—specifically concentrations over 0.3 percent, which classify them as Schedule I controlled substances under federal law. Forensic analysis confirmed both products contained illegal delta-9 THC.
Lucas previously boasted on social media in January 2022: “I’m a 78-year-old grandma who legalized pot and now has her own cannabis store.” She also claimed, “I’m the last thing standing between The GOP and total control of Virginia.”
The indictment charges Lucas with trafficking illegal marijuana, creating generational wealth for associates, recycling drug proceeds to expand operations, and steering licenses to entities where members held financial interests. All defendants face multiple counts tied to the operation’s activities.
