Wichita ? A federal grand jury has indicted former Trego County Sheriff Curtis L. Bender and two others on drug and gun charges after a yearlong investigation, during which the sheriff stepped down.

Bender, 37, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine; two counts of distributing cocaine; one count of distributing more than 500 grams of cocaine; one count of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine; and one count of possessing a handgun to aid drug trafficking.

Since stepping down, Bender has been living and working in Lawrence, and he was arrested without incident at 11:15 a.m. Wednesday at his place of employment, KBI assistant director Kirk Thompson said. Thompson would give no other details about the arrest or investigation.

According to the indictment, cocaine was discovered in a seized 1994 Dodge Intrepid that had been sold at a sheriff’s sale. After its discovery, the cocaine was turned over to Bender, who at the time was the Trego County sheriff. Instead of destroying the cocaine, the indictment charges, Bender distributed it or attempted to do so.

Frank H. Casto, 33, of Quinter, and Steven C. Babcock, 29, of Logan, also face counts of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.

Casto also is charged with distributing cocaine, attempting to distribute the drug and possession of a handgun. Babcock faces one count of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.

Bender resigned as Trego County sheriff in April 2003 after a KBI investigation into his activities was made public. The KBI began its investigation in March 2003 on a tip that Bender was attempting to sell cocaine.

Bender will make his first court appearance Friday.