State Senator Ray Mossey, who is facing criminal drug charges, said Friday he is withdrawing from his re-election bid. Mossey has been accepted into a pretrial diversion program, and the charge could be dismissed if he successfully completes the program.

"After careful consideration and input from friends, family, political supporters and health professionals, I have come to realize that I cannot continue to zealously represent the interests of my constituents, while at the same time effectively addressing the various health issues that I must now confront," Mossey said
in a statement released by his lawyer.

Mossey, 37, was arrested in June and later charged with fraudulently obtaining the prescription pain killer hydrocodone.

Mossey, of Bellevue, was forced to retire from the Omaha Police Department in 2001 after his cruiser was hit by a drunken driver, injuring his back.

Mossey said after a court hearing in July that he is taking responsibility for his actions, but he declined to reveal details about the prescriptions that led to his arrest.

Mossey said in the statement that he will soon enter an "inpatient treatment program to address chronic pain issues, including drug therapy, dependancy and alternative forms of pain management."

While Mossey cannot have his name removed from the November 2 ballot, "I ask that those who had intended to vote for me not to do so."

A Republican, Mossey was appointed to the Legislature in 2002.

After his arrest, Mossey refused to step down from office, despite calls from Governor Mike Johanns and Nebraska Republican Party Chairman David Kramer to do so.

Mossey was running against retired Gretna Public Schools superintendent Gail Kopplin in the election.