Virginia State Senator L. Louise Lucas (D) was taken into custody Thursday after a federal indictment was unsealed by the Department of Justice. The charges stem from an alleged racketeering conspiracy involving a family-operated marijuana business.

According to the indictment, federal prosecutors allege that Lucas and several family members participated in a criminal network. The Hill reports that the charges focus on the acquisition and sale of large quantities of illegal marijuana. The Washington Examiner provides more specific details, stating that the 45-page indictment includes five distinct charges. These allegations claim that the network distributed at least 100 kilograms of marijuana and engaged in money laundering. Furthermore, the Washington Examiner reports that prosecutors allege Lucas leveraged her position as a state lawmaker to improperly influence the pursuit of cannabis licenses.

While both outlets confirm the indictment and the nature of the charges, the Washington Examiner offers a more granular breakdown of the specific allegations, including the volume of marijuana involved and the specific mention of money laundering. The Hill focuses on the broader scope of the racketeering conspiracy and the fact that family members were also named in the indictment. Neither report mentions a response from Senator Lucas or her legal counsel regarding the validity of these claims.