A Republican Virginia state senator has introduced a resolution that is seeking the expulsion of state Senator L. Louise Lucas, one of Virginia’s most powerful Democrats, as she faces federal charges accusing her of leading a wide-ranging criminal marijuana enterprise. State Senator Bryce Reeves of Spotsylvania prefiled Senate Resolution 173 on October 30, ahead of the beginning of the 2027 General Assembly session in January.
The resolution seeks to have the Virginia Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections investigate the allegations against Lucas and consider disciplinary action, including expulsion, based on findings “supported by evidence.” If approved, the resolution could lead to a separate vote on expelling Lucas, though it acknowledges that she is presumed innocent of the federal criminal charges until proven guilty. Reeves has said he filed the resolution because the Senate has a responsibility to investigate any conduct that may breach Senate rules. He added: “Let me be clear: the Senator is innocent until proven guilty, just like anybody else.
The Senate of Virginia retains independent constitutional authority to investigate conduct that could be a breach of Senate rules, and for good reason. Lucas’ alleged abuse of her position, including the purported bribe.” Lucas, who is the state Senate’s president pro tempore, is facing five federal charges: 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. Other defendants charged in the case include her two daughters and a grandson.
Lucas has not entered a formal plea, but has said she intends to plead not guilty. In a statement posted on social media, she did not directly address the substance of the charges against her, but said it amounted to the federal government wielding its “full weight” against an 82-year-old great-grandmother. And I will not back down,” Lucas said.
Newsweek has contacted Lucas’ attorney and her office for comment via emails sent outside regular business hours. Reeves' office has also been contacted for comment. Lucas is accused of leading a criminal enterprise that acquired and distributed large quantities of marijuana and laundered the proceeds, according to an indictment that charges her and six other defendants.
The indictment alleges Lucas used her position as chairwoman of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee to insulate the enterprise, which it called “The Lucas Enterprise,” from criminal scrutiny and influence legislation that would benefit it. According to the indictment, Lucas was the “leader of the enterprise” and “approved and directed criminal activities,” including arranging for the acquisition and distribution of marijuana and supervising the laundering of the proceeds. It cited conversations where Lucas allegedly said the scheme was an effort to accumulate “generational wealth.” FBI Director Kash Patel said the scheme operated for five years and was worth about $4.5 million.
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