Trey Radel pleads guilty to cocaine posession

Nov. 20 (UPI) -- Florida congressman Trey Radel pleaded guilty to misdemeanor cocaine possession in D.C. Superior Court Wednesday morning.

Radel, a first-term Republican from the 19th district in southwestern Florida, apologized for his actions and will receive one year of parole.

"I've hit bottom, where I realize I need help," he said in court Wednesday.

Radel was arrested on October 29 after the FBI and DEA officers reportedly took his dealer into custody. The individual told authorities Radel was his client, and a drug buy was set up in D.C.'s Dupont Circle to nab him.

The congressman Tuesday said alcoholism was to blame for his troubles.

"I"m profoundly sorry to let down my family, particularly my wife and son, and the people of Southwest Florida," he said. "I struggle with the disease of alcoholism, and this led to an extremely irresponsible choice."

"However, this unfortunate event does have a positive side," he said. "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."

[NBC Washington]