COLUMBUS, Ohio — Hamilton County Democratic Rep. Sedrick Denson was arrested by Ohio State Highway Patrol officers early Friday morning and charged with OVI, driving under a suspended license and drug possession.
The first-term House representative apologized in a Monday afternoon news release but claimed he had not been impaired and the medication found in his vehicle was not his.
According to WCPO partner WBNS, police documents indicate a trooper pulled Denson over for erratic driving, discovered him intoxicated and found one Adderall pill inside a plastic bag in the car.
Cruiser camera video showed him struggling with some instructions during a sobriety test. He refused chemical testing.
In his Monday statement, Denson wrote: “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.”
