82-year-old senator ran a 'cannabis empire' - and claims persecution: 'I'm a great-grandmother'

Democratic Senator Louise Lucas, 82, from Virginia has been charged with running an illegal family cannabis empire that generated $4.5 million. She claims political persecution but was recorded saying: 'I got too old not to be greedy.'

Democratic Senator Louise Lucas, 82, from Virginia has been charged with eight counts, including running a criminal enterprise for marijuana trafficking, money laundering, and bribery. The indictment was filed by Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel. According to the indictment, Lucas ran a family cannabis empire that generated $4.5 million over five years, while exploiting her political position. She surrendered to authorities and claims political persecution. The timing of the indictment, 12 days before the election, has drawn criticism over political motives. Lucas was recorded in covert conversations, in one of which she said: 'I got too old not to be greedy.'