The US Department of Justice announced the charges on Thursday, accusing Lillie Louise Lucas, who has served in the state Senate for more than three decades, of involvement in an alleged criminal enterprise known as the Lucas Enterprise.
According to an eight-count indictment, the charges include racketeering conspiracy linked to marij¥ana distribution, bribery-related honest services fra¥d, money la¥ndering, wire fra¥d, maintaining premises for dr¥g activities and possessing f+rearms in furtherance of dr¥g trafficking.
Prosecutors alleged that the enterprise involved a close circle of associates and family members, including Lucas’ two daughters and grandson.
The Department of Justice said Lucas “allegedly approved and directed activities of the enterprise, including arranging for the acquisition and distribution of 100 kilogrammes or more of marij¥ana and supervising the la¥ndering of marij¥ana proceeds.”
It further alleged that she used her political position to shield the enterprise from criminal scrutiny and influence legislation for its benefit.
US Attorney General Todd Blanche described the allegations as a betrayal of public trust.
“The charges alleged in this indictment reveal the behaviour of a public servant who put her own financial interests before the people she was elected to serve,” he said.
FBI Director Kash Patel also alleged that Lucas orchestrated a five-year scheme estimated to be worth $4.5 million.
Patel said the indictment accused the senator of abusing her position to prioritise her financial interests over those of the people she represents.
He further alleged that Lucas, her relatives and associates exploited her position as committee chair to shield their marij¥ana business from criminal scrutiny and influence legislation for financial gain.
The charges remain allegations, and Lucas and the other defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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