Federal agents on Wednesday executed court-authorized searches at the Portsmouth office of Virginia State Senator L. Louise Lucas and a cannabis retail business she co-owns. Sources familiar with the matter describe the actions as part of a corruption investigation.
The FBI confirmed it was conducting a court-authorized search in Portsmouth. The agency, however, did not elaborate on the specifics of the investigation. While federal agents were present, Senator Lucas has not been charged with any crime. Representatives for the Senator, including her office and Governor's spokesperson, have either declined to comment or could not be immediately reached.
Senator Lucas, a prominent Democrat who holds the position of Virginia Senate President Pro Tempore, was a key figure in leading the state's recent redistricting effort. This effort, which sought to create new congressional districts favorable to Democrats, was approved by voters in a referendum in April. However, the legality of this new map is currently under review by the Virginia Supreme Court. Lucas has also been an outspoken advocate for marijuana legalization in Virginia.
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The search warrants reportedly extended to multiple locations linked to businesses associated with Senator Lucas, including office spaces near her cannabis dispensary. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, which covers Portsmouth, also declined to comment on the matter.
