(The Center Square) – Virginia leaders urged due process after Sen. Louise Lucas’ indictment, while Gov. Abigail Spanberger questioned the prosecution’s timing.

Lucas, D-Portsmouth, was released on her own recognizance after appearing Thursday in federal court in Norfolk, according to court records.

She and six others face charges in what federal prosecutors say is a racketeering operation involving marijuana distribution and money laundering. The defendants include her two daughters and grandson, said U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche.

Prosecutors say Lucas used her office to protect the operation and influence legislation for its financial benefit.

Lucas, 82 and a state senator since winning election a quarter of a century ago, chairs the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee. The position is pivotal to the state budget, taxes and spending. She also serves as president pro tempore.

Spanberger, also a Democrat in her first year as governor, said Lucas and her family deserve the opportunity to defend themselves. She criticized the indictment’s announcement less than two weeks before the Nov. 3 election.

Lucas is not on the ballot this year.

The governor said the timing undermines what she described as the Justice Department’s previously longstanding policy against indictments or significant investigative steps close to elections.

The Center Square was unsuccessful prior to publication getting comment from Spanberger on Lucas keeping or stepping away from her chamber leadership roles while the case is pending.

Blanche rejected claims of political retaliation. Speaking Thursday in Norfolk, he said the investigation began before second-term Republican President Donald Trump’s reelection and before he and FBI Director Kash Patel assumed their current positions.

Blanche also noted Lucas is not up for reelection this year. Her daughter, Lisa Lucas-Burke, who is also charged, is on the Nov. 3 ballot for Portsmouth City Council.

“People can criticize all they want, but it was time to bring the charges,” Blanche said.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, called the prosecution politically driven and said he supports Lucas as she defends herself.

“She is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law,” Surovell said. “I will not comment on the evidence in this case, and I urge others to show the same restraint.”

First-year Democratic Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi called for a thorough, nonpartisan investigation and transparency from the Justice Department.

Senate Republican Leader Ryan McDougle described the allegations as serious and said the justice system would continue its work. House Republican Leader Terry Kilgore also pointed to the courts.

“The charges against Senator Lucas are serious, and go beyond the world of politics,” Kilgore said. “They will be resolved via our judicial system, as they should.”

Lucas pledged to fight in a statement Thursday, saying in part, “I will not be intimidated. I will not be bullied. And I will not back down.”