Chief's Early Warning to Louise Lucas Exposes Political Entitlement in Marijuana Scandal

Portsmouth Police Chief Stephen Jenkins issued a clear warning to Virginia Sen. Louise Lucas several years ago about the risks of selling marijuana. The interaction appears in the federal grand jury indictment against Lucas and six others, including her two daughters, on charges related to suspected marijuana drug trafficking and money laundering. Prosecutors alleged the group sold marijuana illegally from Lucas' licensed CBD shop, The Cannabis Outlet on High Street in Portsmouth, while conspiring to rig the state's marijuana licensure process for financial gain.

Jenkins confirmed he was the senior law enforcement official referenced in the indictment during an interview with The Virginian-Pilot. He described providing the senator a warning just as he would anyone potentially engaging in improper activity amid city rumors of illegal conduct. Jenkins emphasized that his sole concern was safeguarding the city from illegal situations, consistent with standard law enforcement practices.

The Initial Warning and Follow-Up Discussions

The indictment details that following Jenkins' hiring as chief in 2022, the senior law enforcement official told Lucas that selling marijuana was illegal and would get her in trouble one day. In a subsequent meeting with Lucas and an unnamed state legislator to discuss law enforcement issues, Jenkins reiterated the message. He told her she needed to stop selling marijuana and questioned why, as a state senator and wealthy woman, she would engage in criminal behavior.

According to the indictment, Lucas provided no answer during that meeting. The unnamed legislator agreed with the chief's concern that Lucas should not associate herself with selling marijuana while it remained illegal. Jenkins later clarified that prosecutors' characterization reflected their perspective, noting his department had no evidence or proof of criminal activity at the time and simply advised that any such actions must cease.

Jenkins received a grand jury subpoena shortly after FBI agents raided Lucas' store and Lucas Lodge in May. He spoke with federal authorities but declined to detail those discussions. The chief stressed that Portsmouth police did their job without condoning any misconduct, regardless of an individual's status or position.

Controlled Purchases and Departmental Role

The indictment mentions five controlled purchases of marijuana from The Cannabis Outlet between October 2024 and October 2025, plus another in July 2026 where products tested positive for marijuana. Jenkins stated that Portsmouth police were not the agency conducting those purchases and had no knowledge of them. This separation underscores the department's limited involvement in the federal investigation.

Jenkins addressed broader rumors circulating in the city at the time, describing them as speculation that prompted his proactive conversation with Lucas. He maintained that officers respond to situations based on evidence and duty, not influence or favoritism. The chief's actions reflect a commitment to impartial enforcement of the law.

Festival and Related Incidents

The indictment references a phone conversation about the 420 Unity Festival held at the Portsmouth Sportsplex in April 2022, where Lucas allegedly stated the whole police department protected the event. Jenkins noted the festival occurred before his appointment as interim chief and was a city-sponsored event focused on street closures, crowd control, and traffic. Officers stood ready to respond if needed, but the promoter handled security payments for off-duty personnel, following customary procedures for city events.

A reported burglary at The Cannabis Outlet in September 2024 led to police recovering products a month later, which were then sent for lab testing per standard protocol. Jenkins confirmed the items remain in custody because they cannot return illegal property. The department withheld certain files citing exemptions but affirmed its thorough handling of the matter.

Commitment to Accountability

Jenkins expressed frustration that the department was drawn into the matter, calling any suggestion of condoning illegal activity asinine. He reiterated that officers perform their duties without regard to personal status. Lucas has stated she will not resign and is prepared to fight the charges. The chief's early warnings highlight law enforcement's role in upholding standards even against influential figures.

https://www.pilotonline.com/2026/10/30/portsmouth-police-chief-lucas-indictment/

Portsmouth is an independent city in Hampton Roads.