Police Chief Details Pre-Indictment Warnings to Senator Louise Lucas

Portsmouth Police Chief Stephen Jenkins warned Virginia Sen. Louise Lucas several years ago that selling marijuana could lead to trouble. The details of the warning appear in the federal grand jury indictment of Lucas and six others, including her two daughters, on allegations of marijuana drug trafficking and money laundering. Prosecutors claimed the group sold marijuana illegally from The Cannabis Outlet, Lucas' licensed CBD shop in Portsmouth, and conspired to influence the state's marijuana licensure process.

Jenkins identified himself as the senior law enforcement official described in the indictment in comments to The Virginian-Pilot. He explained the conversation occurred amid widespread rumors of potential illegal activity in the city. Jenkins said he issued the warning in the same manner he would to any person, focusing solely on protecting the community from unlawful conduct.

Details of the Conversations

The indictment states that after Jenkins' hiring in 2022, the official advised Lucas that selling marijuana was illegal and would get her in trouble. During a later meeting involving Lucas, Jenkins, and an unnamed state legislator, the chief repeated the caution. He told her she needed to stop selling marijuana and asked why she would engage in such behavior given her position as a state senator and her wealth.

The indictment notes that Lucas did not respond in the meeting. The legislator reportedly agreed with the concern about associating with marijuana sales while they remained illegal. Jenkins clarified that the indictment reflects federal prosecutors' characterization, adding that his department possessed no evidence or proof of criminal activity and simply urged that any issues be addressed.

Jenkins received a grand jury subpoena days after the May FBI raid on Lucas' properties. He interacted with federal authorities but provided no further details on those exchanges. The chief affirmed that the Portsmouth Police Department fulfilled its responsibilities impartially.

Investigation Elements and Police Involvement

The indictment references five controlled purchases of marijuana from The Cannabis Outlet from October 2024 to October 2025, along with a July 2026 purchase where products tested positive for marijuana. Jenkins stated that Portsmouth police did not conduct these purchases and were unaware of them. This distinction clarifies the department's role in the broader federal probe.

Jenkins described the context of rumors and speculation that led to his outreach to Lucas. He maintained that law enforcement addresses situations based on available information without bias. The department's approach prioritizes public safety and adherence to legal standards.

The 2022 Festival and Burglary Report

The indictment mentions a March 2026 conversation about the 420 Unity Festival at the Portsmouth Sportsplex, where Lucas allegedly said the police department protected the event. Jenkins explained the festival predated his interim chief role and involved standard city support for street closures and traffic. Security arrangements followed typical practices for such events, with the promoter covering off-duty officer costs.

Police responded to a September 2024 burglary report at The Cannabis Outlet, documenting the theft of cash and marijuana products described as legal at the time. Products recovered in October underwent lab testing, and Jenkins noted they remain in custody as illegal property. The department followed standard procedures throughout the incident.

Departmental Perspective

Jenkins stated that any implication of departmental condonation of illegal activity is unfounded. He emphasized that officers perform their duties consistently, irrespective of an individual's prominence. The early warnings illustrate proactive communication by law enforcement in response to community concerns. Lucas has indicated she intends to contest the charges without resigning.

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

Portsmouth is an independent city in Hampton Roads.