Congressional candidate charged in alleged meth operation

(Sallisaw-AP) -- Drug charges have been filed against a congressional candidate and his campaign manager.

Charges filed against 33-year-old Mark Detro allege possession of controlled drugs with intent to distribute within two-thousand feet of public housing, possession of a firearm in commission of a felony and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Detro's campaign manager, Misty Watts, faces the same charges.

Watts is also accused of illegally having a gun as a convicted felon.

The charges stem from an August 4th raid that allegedly turned up methamphetamine at Detro's Sallisaw motel.

Detro is one of seven Republicans seeking to succeed outgoing U-S Representative Tom Coburn in the Second District.

Detro says he's the victim of overzealous police. He denies the allegations and says he'll continue with his congressional campaign.