- Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas, one of the state's most influential Democrats, was charged Thursday in connection with an alleged role leading a criminal enterprise that acquired and distributed large quantities of marijuana and laundered the proceeds, according to federal authorities.

What we know: An indictment unsealed Thursday charged Lucas and six co-defendants, including several of her relatives, the Department of Justice said in a statement.

A Justice Department spokesperson said Lucas self-surrendered on Thursday.