PORTSMOUTH, Va. -- Attorneys for a Virginia state senator have asked a judge to dismiss charges that allege that she conspired to damage a Confederate monument.
The Virginian-Pilot reported Thursday that the lawyers for Sen. Louise Lucas argue that the case stems from “an illegal and unsanctioned police action.”
Attorneys Don Scott and Verbena Askew argue that a criminal investigation of an elected official must be requested by the governor, the attorney general or a grand jury.
The attorneys said that police in Portsmouth failed to make such a request.
The charges stem from a June protest that drew hundreds of people to a Confederate monument. It was heavily damaged.
Portsmouth Police Chief Angela Greene, who announced Lucas and others had felony warrants issued, has since been placed on administrative leave. The City of Portsmouth has not released a specific reason why she was placed on administrative leave.
