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 The 37-year-old freshman Republican was charged with cocaine
possession Tuesday after what a federal law enforcement official
described as a "buy and bust" operation. Radel was scheduled to
appear Wednesday in District of Columbia Superior Court.
In a statement expressing regret, Radel made no mention of his
political future but said he had made an "extremely irresponsible
choice" and had let down his family and his constituents.
Authorities allege that Radel knowingly possessed cocaine on Oct.
29. A one-sentence charging document did not add any details about
the allegations.
A Drug Enforcement Administration official said Radel allegedly
bought cocaine from an undercover agent in Washington's Dupont
Circle neighborhood on Oct. 29. Later that night, federal
authorities went to Radel's apartment and informed him that he would
be facing criminal charges related to the purchase.
The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was
not authorized to release details of the case in his own name, said
Radel was identified to authorities as a cocaine buyer by his
suspected dealer. The dealer had been arrested previously as part of
a separate drug investigation led by a federal task force.
"In facing this charge, I realize the disappointment my family,
friends and constituents must feel. Believe me, I am disappointed in
myself, and I stand ready to face the consequences of my actions,"
Radel said in a statement.
"However, this unfortunate event does have a positive side. It
offers me an opportunity to seek treatment and counseling," he
added. "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."
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The cocaine possession charge, a misdemeanor, carries a statutory
maximum of six months in prison and a fine of $1,000. Radel appears
to be the first sitting member of Congress charged with a drug
offense since former Rep. Frederick Richmond, D-N.Y., was convicted
in 1982 on charges of tax evasion and drug possession.
A spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, said the
allegations are a matter for the courts.
"Beyond that, this is between Rep. Radel, his family and his
constituents," Boehner spokesman Michael Steel said.
Radel was elected in 2012 to represent Florida's 19th Congressional
District, which includes the Gulf Coast communities of Fort Myers
and Naples. He was a radio host before becoming a congressman. He
identifies himself on his Twitter profile as a "Hip Hop
conservative" and "lover of #liberty," and his Twitter account has
remained active in the past few weeks, including on the day of the
bust.
Florida Republican Party Chairman Lenny Curry said he was
disappointed in Radel but glad that he was seeking help.
[Associated
Press; ERIC TUCKER and
JESSICA GRESKO]
Associated Press writers
Alicia A. Caldwell and Laurie Kellman contributed to this report.
Copyright 2013 The Associated
Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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