{"id":62043,"date":"2026-10-23T18:46:12","date_gmt":"2026-10-24T01:46:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cjnotebook.com\/?p=62043"},"modified":"2026-10-23T19:00:16","modified_gmt":"2026-10-24T02:00:16","slug":"virginia-sen-lillie-louise-lucas-6-others-indicted-in-marijuana-bribery-and-racketeering-case","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cjnotebook.com\/?p=62043","title":{"rendered":"Virginia Sen. Lillie Louise Lucas, 6 Others Indicted in Marijuana, Bribery and Racketeering Case"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"NEWPORT NEWS, Va.<\/strong><\/span> \u2014 Virginia state Sen. Lillie Louise Lucas and six other defendants have been charged in an eight-count federal indictment alleging a racketeering conspiracy involving marijuana trafficking, money laundering, bribery and other crimes, officials stated Thursday.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the indictment,<\/a> Lucas, 82, of Portsmouth, allegedly led a criminal organization prosecutors called the “Lucas Enterprise,” consisting of family members and close associates, including her two daughters and a grandson.<\/span><\/p>\n

Federal prosecutors allege Lucas directed the enterprise’s activities, including arranging the acquisition and distribution of at least 100 kilograms of marijuana and overseeing the laundering of proceeds from marijuana sales.<\/span><\/p>\n

The indictment also alleges offenses involving honest services fraud through bribery, maintaining drug-involved premises, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking and wire fraud.<\/span><\/p>\n

Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prosecutors allege Lucas used political influence to protect enterprise<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"FBILucas, first elected to the Virginia Senate in 1991, has served as the chamber’s president pro tempore since 2020. She also chairs the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, which oversees state budget matters, tax policy and government expenditures.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prosecutors allege Lucas used her political position to shield the enterprise from criminal scrutiny and influence legislation that could benefit its business operations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Family members allegedly involved in marijuana distribution<\/span><\/h3>\n

According to the indictment, Carlton Upton Jr., 54, of Chesapeake, became Lucas’ business partner in VA Freedom Life in 2019. The company operated The CBD Shoppe and The Cannabis Outlet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Upton managed The CBD Shoppe and allegedly worked with Lucas to obtain a recreational marijuana license that would benefit the enterprise.<\/span><\/p>\n

In April 2020, Upton allegedly made materially false statements on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan application submitted on behalf of VA Freedom Life. The business subsequently received an $11,800 loan.<\/span><\/p>\n

In 2021, Lucas and her daughter, Lisa Lucas-Burke, opened The Cannabis Outlet in Portsmouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another daughter, Theresa Lucas-Lamb, and Lucas-Lamb’s son, Ryan Eichelberger, allegedly obtained marijuana, supervised its distribution and managed The Cannabis Outlet on behalf of the enterprise.<\/span><\/p>\n

On Feb. 1, 2022, Lucas identified herself as president and CEO of VA Freedom Life on a statement of economic interests filed with the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council.<\/span><\/p>\n