A candidate for state senate in next month's election is in jail tonight, facing drug charges.
Nash County deputies today arrested Clarence Bender of Castalia, charging him with three counts of trafficking opium or heroin and maintaining a vehicle/dwelling/place for drugs. The 54-year-old Bender is currently a town commissioner in Castalia and is the Democratic candidate for Senate District 11.
Investigators say they seized approximately 119 prescription pills from Bender during a two month investigation into prescription pill trafficking in Nash County.
Bender was jailed on a $300,000 secured bond and is scheduled for a first appearance Friday.
Senate District 11 includes parts of Nash and Wilson counties.
