Virginia Democratic state Sen. L. Louise Lucas has been charged with allegedly having a leading role in a criminal enterprise that traffics marijuana and launders the proceeds, according to a federal indictment unsealed Thursday.

The indictment charges Lucas and six other defendants, including several of her relatives, the Justice Department said in a statement. The 82-year-old lawmaker has surrendered to authorities, a Justice Department spokesperson told the Associated Press. 

Authorities in May searched Lucas' hometown office and a cannabis shop in which she had a stake. Lucas had characterized the search as an attempt by the Trump administration to intimidate her. She has been an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump and his administration. 

Brian Woolfolk, chief counsel for the L. Louise Lucas Legal Defense Fund, told the wire service that the case is a "circus," as they expected it would be. 

"We will wait for further details to have a more specific response,” Woolfolk said. 

In a statement, FBI Director Kash Patel said that the charges against Lucas involve "a close-knit group of family members and associates." 

They allegedly orchestrated a scheme over years to enrich their own criminal marijuana enterprise, and Lucas used her position as chairwoman of the state's "Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee to insulate the enterprise from criminal scrutiny and influence legislation to financially benefit group membvers, according to Patel. 

“No one is above the law, and this FBI will continue to follow the facts with our Justice Department and ensure those responsible for criminal conduct are held accountable," Patel said.