Trey Radel, a freshman Republican representative, was charged Tuesday with cocaine possession, according to court documents.
Radel, 37, who represents the 19th Congressional District in the Fort Myers-Naples area, was arrested October 29 for "unlawfully, knowingly and intentionally" possessing "a quantity of cocaine," according to documents.
Radel was charged with misdemeanor possession of cocaine in D.C. Superior Court on Tuesday. The charge is a misdemeanor and carries a maximum of 180 days in prison and/or a $1,000 fine.
Radel released a statement from his office following the arraignment, expressing disappointment in himself and apologizing to his wife. Radel also says it was the "disease of alcoholism" that led him to the yeyo.
"I'm profoundly sorry to let down my family, particularly my wife and son, and the people of Southwest Florida. I struggle with the disease of alcoholism, and this led to an extremely irresponsible choice. As the father of a young son and a husband to a loving wife, I need to get help so I can be a better man for both of them."Believe me, I am disappointed in myself, and I stand ready to face the consequences of my actions. However, this unfortunate event does have a positive side. It offers me an opportunity to seek treatment and counseling. I know I have a problem and will do whatever is necessary to overcome it, hopefully setting an example for others struggling with this disease."
In between being elected in 2012 and apparently doing blow, Radel has spent the majority of his time wanting to possibly impeach Obama over gun-control laws and cosponsoring a bill with Marco Rubio that would keep people from getting punished by the government until the Obamacare website is fixed. He also voted against the deal that eventually ended the government shutdown.
A spokesperson for House Speaker John Boehner released a statement on the speaker's behalf, saying, "Members of Congress should be held to the highest standards, and the alleged crime will be handled by the courts. Beyond that, this is between Rep. Radel, his family, and his constituents."
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