Congressman Pleads Guilty To Cocaine Possession

Sentenced to one year of probation, will seek treatment

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Rep. Trey Radel pleaded guilty to misdemeanor cocaine possession on Wednesday, after he was caught buying the drug last month.

Radel, a freshman from Florida, was sentenced to one year of probation while he seeks treatment in Florida, the Washington Post reports. He says he’s also seeking counseling in Washington.

The congressman was formally charged Tuesday. Police said he and a friend bought $250 worth of cocaine from an undercover cop in a restaurant in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, D.C.

“This unfortunate event does have a positive side,” Radel said in a statement Tuesday. “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.”