Indiana Senate Candidate Arrested for Drug Possession

A Democratic candidate for the Indiana Senate is facing legal troubles after allegedly wandering his neighborhood while under the influence of cocaine.

Andrew Dezerin, who is running for a state senate seat, was arrested on Sunday following accusations of cocaine possession and resisting law enforcement. He was reportedly knocking on doors in the Fishers area when law enforcement responded to a call about someone soliciting in the neighborhood.

As detailed in a probable cause affidavit from Hamilton County Court, officers approached Dezerin around 8 p.m. local time. A police officer questioned him about the distinction between solicitation and canvassing. Dezerin, 38, claimed that he had received permission from his homeowners association to be in the area.

Witnesses noted that Dezerin appeared agitated; he was speaking quickly, sweating, and his pupils looked glazed. When asked to exit his vehicle for a search, Dezerin hesitated but eventually moved his car backward instead. After a brief struggle, officers managed to pull him to the ground and restrain him.

A subsequent search of his vehicle revealed a small plastic bag containing powder, which later tested positive for cocaine. Dezerin’s campaign has not yet provided a comment regarding the incident.

Previously, Dezerin served as the policy director for the Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus for 11 years. He decided to run for the Senate, saying he understands the challenges faced by small business owners and retirees dealing with Medicare.

Currently, there are three Democratic candidates and three Republican candidates contesting for Indiana State Senate District 31.