Andrew Dezelan, a Democrat running for Indiana Senate District 31, said he will stay in the race six days before the May 5 primary, despite his arrest Sunday on preliminary charges of cocaine possession and resisting law enforcement while canvassing.
Dezelan said he is taking the situation seriously and working with an attorney
“I have much to say. For those that know me this should come as no surprise. However, I have been advised by counsel not to discuss the details of the case, and I will respect that process as it moves forward,” Dezelan said. “I know this raises concern, and I understand why. I ask for patience as the facts are addressed through the proper legal channels. I remain committed to this campaign and to the people of this district.”
Dezelan is one of the four Democratic primary candidates running for the state Senate seat that includes parts of northern Lawrence Township and most of Fishers.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Hamilton County court, an officer questioned Dezelan on Sunday and detained him after he tried to leave the scene.
The officer was responding to a resident’s call about someone soliciting in their neighborhood. After searching Dezelan’s car, the officer reported finding a small plastic bag of what the officer suspected was cocaine.
An arrest does not disqualify someone from running for office in Indiana. A person must be convicted of a felony to be barred from holding or running for office.
A felony conviction that is expunged, pardoned, reversed or vacated does not bar a candidate from running.
Dezelan is a Fishers resident and previously worked as the policy director for the Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus.
Dezelan is at least the second candidate to be arrested ahead of the primary.
Contact Government Reporter Caroline Beck at cbeck@wfyi.org
