A Florida politician pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine after he admitted that he'd bought drugs from an undercover officer in D.C.'s Dupont Circle.
Republican Representative Trey Radel appeared in D.C. Superior Court on Wednesday morning. Radel, who just started his tenth month in Congress, was sentenced to one year of probation on the misdemeanor charge, according to the Washington Post. Radel has been ordered to attend treatment in Florida, and must also undergo therapy in D.C.
After Radel bought cocaine from a plainclothes officer in the northwest neighborhood of D.C., he was arrested and brought to trial. In court on Wednesday, Radel apologized for his actions.
"I hit a bottom, and I realize I need help," he told Judge Robert S. Tignor. According to the Post, if Radel finishes his probation with no issues, the charge will be wiped from his record.
37-year-old Radel, who is known in Congress for his loud and outgoing demeanor, hasn't said that he'll step down from his position in office. House GOPs have largely kept silent on the scandal, saying that the case should be up to the court, Radel and his next-of-kin.
Radel and a friend met the undercover agent at a Dupont Circle eatery on Oct. 29, the Post reported. Radel then told the friend and the agent to come over to his house to use the drugs, but the agent declined. After getting into the agent's car, where Radel bought 3.5 grams of cocaine, the congressman paid $260 - ten dollars over the set price.
After the goods were exchanged, police officers walked up to the car and identified themselves. Radel reportedly dropped the drugs on the street, then, according to court documents, invited the law enforcement officials over to talk about the event.
When police arrived at his house, they found a vial holding an unspecified amount of cocaine.
"I am so sorry to be here," Radel announced in court on Wednesday. "I have let my constituents, my country and my family down. I want to come out of this stronger and I intend to do that, to be a better man, a better husband and continue serving this country."
Radel, who is married to ex-journalist Amy Wegmann Radel, has one young son with his wife. He grew up in Cincinnati, and has been known in Congress to push spending-cut legislation.
