Republican state Sen. Bryce Reeves is seeking a Virginia Senate investigation into Democratic Sen. Louise Lucas following federal allegations that she used her legislative authority to benefit a cannabis business she co-owns. The proposed inquiry could lead to disciplinary recommendations, including expulsion, but would operate separately from the criminal proceedings. The allegations against Lucas have not been proven in court.
Reeves, who represents Spotsylvania, prefiled Senate Resolution 173 on Oct. 30 for the General Assembly session beginning in January 2027. It would assign the investigation to the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections. The panel would examine allegations underlying five federal charges involving racketeering, marijuana distribution, money laundering and honest-services fraud conspiracies, along with maintaining drug-involved premises.
Speaking to The Mercury on Thursday, Reeves said senators have an obligation to investigate potential misconduct within their chamber. He attributed his proposal to that responsibility and concerns about financial disclosures, saying personal hostility toward Lucas was not his motivation. Lucas, the Senate’s president pro tempore and chair of its Finance and Appropriations Committee, did not respond to The Mercury’s request for comment. Reeves said her responsibilities involving state taxes and spending made scrutiny especially important.
The committee would seek recordings, transcripts, ownership and financial records, economic interest disclosures and legislative documents. Its review would consider possible violations of Virginia marijuana distribution laws or the General Assembly Conflict of Interests Act. Two conversations described in the indictment would receive particular attention: one allegedly concerned legalizing past marijuana-related conduct, while another allegedly involved blocking a prospective marijuana license applicant until a debt to Lucas was repaid.
The resolution directs senators to assess the authenticity, context and legal significance of the recordings and other evidence. It recognizes Lucas’ presumption of innocence and warns against considering the indictment or quoted statements proof of guilt or a state-law violation. The committee could conduct hearings, would provide procedural protections and would submit findings and recommendations to the Senate. Any disciplinary proposal would need a separate resolution identifying the action sought.
Potential outcomes include reprimand, censure, expulsion or a recommendation to refer the matter to the attorney general. Expulsion requires support from two-thirds of the Senate’s elected membership, or 27 of its 40 members. Democrats hold 21 seats, meaning at least eight would have to support removal if all 19 Republicans voted for it. Reeves expects the committee would probably take up the matter in January and acknowledged that its inquiry might not justify expulsion.
The indictment, unsealed Oct. 22, names Lucas and six others, including relatives and business associates. Prosecutors allege that she participated in a marijuana distribution enterprise, laundered proceeds and used her office for personal financial benefit. One allegation concerns a $750,000 payment she allegedly made in 2022 to acquire an interest in a business connected to another person’s anticipated recreational marijuana license. Prosecutors say she did not disclose that interest and used her position in discussions about the prospective license.
Lucas has represented Portsmouth in the Senate since 1992 and has been president pro tempore since 2020. After the indictment, she accused federal authorities of attempting to intimidate her and pledged to stand firm. Gov. Abigail Spanberger defended her opportunity to present a defense and questioned the indictment’s timing, less than two weeks before the midterm elections. Federal authorities say the investigation started before President Donald Trump returned to office.
The investigation became public in May when federal agents searched Lucas’ Portsmouth legislative office and cannabis businesses. Prosecutors link the alleged operation to The Cannabis Outlet and The CBD Shoppe, businesses associated with Lucas and her associates. Other defendants also face firearms and wire fraud charges.
