PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Federal agents executed court-authorized search warrants Wednesday at the Portsmouth legislative office of Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas and an adjacent cannabis retail store she co-owns, as part of an ongoing corruption investigation.
The FBI confirmed it was serving federal search warrants in Portsmouth but did not name Lucas directly. Agents were seen carrying boxes from her office at the Lucas Professional Center. Law enforcement, including SWAT personnel, was also present at The Cannabis Outlet (sometimes called Cannabis Outlet), a hemp- and cannabis-related dispensary located next door that Lucas has publicly acknowledged co-owning since at least 2021.
Lucas, the longtime Democratic president pro tempore of the Virginia Senate and one of the chamber’s most powerful members, arrived at the scene but was not arrested or detained. According to her longtime political consultant, she was back home by midday and had no prior knowledge of the investigation’s focus. No criminal charges have been filed against her, and the exact scope of the probe remains under seal.
Sources familiar with the matter told reporters the investigation, which originated during the Biden administration and has continued, centers on possible corruption and bribery tied to marijuana-related businesses in Virginia. Lucas has been a vocal advocate for cannabis legalization for years and played a key role in the state’s 2021 legalization efforts.
The senator, who has represented Portsmouth since 1992, has not issued a public statement on the raids as of Wednesday afternoon. Local news outlets reported heavy law enforcement activity throughout the morning, with multiple locations apparently searched as part of the operation.
The development marks a significant escalation for one of Virginia’s most influential Democratic lawmakers. Authorities have released no further details, and the investigation remains active.
SOURCES:
FBI raids office of Dem state lawmaker in Virginia who led redistricting efforts – POLITICO
FBI raids business of Democratic Virginia state Sen. Louise Lucas – The Washington Post
FBI raids Sen. Louise Lucas’ Portsmouth office, cannabis business • Virginia Mercury
Office of Virginia State Senator Louise Lucas Raided by F.B.I. Agents – The New York Times
FBI raids office of Virginia Democratic State Sen. Louise Lucas
