Dem House candidate quits after arrest on robbery, abduction charges
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House candidate quits after arrest on robbery, abduction charges

MARION, Ohio - A Democrat seeking a state House seat has withdrawn from the race following his arrest on robbery and abduction charges, the county party's chairwoman said Wednesday.

Willie Pickens, 44, was charged with two counts of robbery and three counts of abduction involving customers at a convenience store, Assistant Marion County Prosecutor Renee Potts said.

Police believed Pickens was intoxicated when he was arrested Friday on a charge of disorderly conduct, Potts said. The more serious charges were added later. Pickens could be sentenced to one to five years in prison on each count if convicted.

A message seeking comment was left at a phone number listed under the address Pickens provided elections officials.

Pickens approached customers at the convenience store, claimed to be an FBI agent, ordered two of them out of their cars and frisked them, police said. He robbed a third customer inside the store, then forced the customer into the back seat of Pickens' car, police said. That person later escaped.

The Marion County Democratic Party asked Pickens to withdraw from the race, which he did Wednesday, chairwoman Cathy Chaffin said. Pickens was the only Democrat on the ballot opposing three-term Republican Rep. Steve Reinhard in November.

Chaffin said she may try to replace Pickens on the ballot or find someone to run as an independent.

Akron Beacon Journal ~ AP ** House candidate quits after arrest on robbery, abduction charges