Aide to Mississippi Sen. Cochran Arrested on Drug Charge

An aide to Republican Sen. Thad Cochran of Mississippi has been charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine after federal agents raided his home.

An office administrator for Cochran, Fred W. Pagan, 49, was arrested Thursday. Court documents say that Pagan allegedly said he planned to distribute the drugs "in exchange for sexual favors."

On April 9, a package from China addressed to Pagan's home in the 5700 block of Colorado Avenue NW was intercepted in Cincinnati with the controlled substance GBL, according to court documents.

GBL has similar effects to alcohol, but also can used in a compound commonly known as a date rape drug.

D.C. police and Homeland Security raided the home Thursday and found more than 180 grams of methamphetamine, according to police.

Pagan told authorities he ordered the GBL from China and knew it was illegal, according to court documents. He also said he received three prior shipments of GBL.

Pagan said he received the methamphetamine from California, according to court documents. He said he intended to exchange the GBL and methamphetamine for sexual favors.

Pagan was released on his own recognizance after an initial court appearance Friday.

“Senator Cochran is disturbed and deeply saddened by the arrest of his long-time aide Fred Pagan and is suspending him of all duties pending the outcome of this case,” a statement from the senator's office read.

The office is contacting Senate legal counsel.

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