The son of a Democratic U.S. Senate candidate was sentenced Sept. 5 to two years of probation and 600 hours of community service on two drug convictions.
James Pederson, the 24-year-old son of Senate candidate Jim Pederson, had pleaded guilty last month to a misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia and a felony charge of attempted production of marijuana.
The elder Pederson, the former leader of the Arizona Democratic Party, is challenging Republican U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl.
Authorities said in court records that James Pederson’s truck was pulled over on a traffic stop in February, and they found a hollowed-out ball point pen that had a white powdery residue.
Investigators said Pederson eventually told them that he used the pen for snorting OxyContin. A search of his home in west Phoenix turned up a handgun and drugs, including marijuana and OxyContin pills, according to records.
As part of a plea deal, prosecutors dropped other drug charges against Pederson.
James Pederson, who also was fined $2,750, told court Commissioner Jerry Porter that he had changed his life and was attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
His father said in a statement that his son “made a mistake. He’s taken responsibility for it, and he’s overcome it.”

Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.