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Lawmaker Goes Through Drug Education Program, Will Keep Seat


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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A state lawmaker from Cincinnati who faced a felony charge over a pill found in his vehicle has completed a drug education program, and the charge was reduced and dismissed Monday to resolve that matter.

An Adderall pill was found when a state trooper stopped Democratic Rep. Sedrick Denson on a Columbus-area highway late last month. The 31-year-old freshman lawmaker said he isn’t prescribed that stimulant and doesn’t use it.

Denson did acknowledge having wine hours before that traffic stop. He pleaded guilty in early April to a misdemeanor charge of controlling a vehicle while under the influence.

Denson apologized in a statement Monday, saying he takes responsibility “for creating this distraction” and is eager to continue his work.

A felony conviction would have cost him his House seat.