A Cincinnati lawmaker faces multiple charges after a traffic stop outside of Columbus early Friday morning.
State Representative Sedrick Denson (D-Bond Hill) has been charged with driving under the influence, felony drug possession and driving with a suspended license after a traffic stop outside of Columbus early Friday morning.
Troopers found drugs while searching his vehicle after pulling him over for either speeding and not observing marked lanes.
Denson said they found a single Adderall pill and says he doesn't have a prescription for it and doesn't use the drug.
In January, Denson was ticketed for failing to register a different vehicle than the one he was driving Friday morning.
On Monday evening, Denson released a full statement about the incident...
“While working in Columbus last week, I made an error in judgment. I decided to drive at night after drinking earlier in the evening. Though I believe I wasn’t impaired, I regret not using greater caution under the circumstances.
“I was pulled over by a State Highway Patrolman for either speeding or for a lane change violation. I performed several tests during the traffic stop at the Trooper’s direction. Although I felt that I was not impaired, I was arrested for driving my car while under the influence. I regret refusing further testing that would have established that I was not impaired.
“The Trooper discovered a single prescription pill that he believed to be Adderall during a search of my car. I am not prescribed and do not use this medicine. The fact that it was in my vehicle is concerning and very serious.
“I am confident that the court process will result in a conclusion that supports these facts. But more than anything, I want to apologize and express my regret to people who feel disappointed by my actions. I share their disappointment. This error in judgment will offer me an opportunity to learn and grow. I want to thank everyone who has supported me or expressed their concern throughout this experience.”
In November, Denson was elected to the house seat in District 33. He previously worked for city councilman Wendell Young.