83-year-old Iowa candidate charged with being a gigolo

Centerville City Council isn't the only job that Ben Clifford Dawson has been auditioning for.

The 83-year-old Iowa candidate was charged this week with offering to perform sex acts as payment for a debt, according to KTVO.

An investigation began on Oct. 22 because a woman told police Dawson had volunteered to repay a loan with sexual services. After she refused the offer, he allegedly began grabbing her and kissing her neck.

Dawson was released from the Appanoose County Jail on $2,000 bond Tuesday. He faces two aggravated misdemeanor charges of prostitution and intent to commit sexual abuse.

Candidates for city council in Cenerville are not required to divulge their party affiliation.

The Appanoose County auditor told Raw Story that Dawson, who is well known in the area, had recently switched parties.

"I don't believe he is a staunch anything," she said.

The election is scheduled to be held for Nov. 8.