Florida Rep. Trey Radel Busted for Cocaine Possession in Undercover Sting
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US Congress(WASHINGTON) — Trey Radel, the Florida Republican congressman charged with cocaine possession, was the target of an undercover sting, law enforcement sources told ABC News.
Radel, according to sources, first came on the radar of federal authorities when a suspected cocaine dealer under investigation by a joint Drug Enforcement Administration/FBI task force told agents that one of his customers was the Florida rep.
DEA and FBI agents then set up the undercover drug sting.
Radel, 37, allegedly purchased a small quantity of cocaine from an undercover federal agent in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 29. but was not formally arrested, according to a law enforcement official. Agents maintained their cover and Radel went home. Later that evening, federal agents visited Radel at his home and advised him he had just purchased cocaine from a federal agent.
The charging document states that Radel “did unlawfully, knowingly, and intentionally possess a quantity of cocaine.”
Radel was not cuffed and arrested, but discussions between prosecutors and his defense attorney soon began. He will appear in D.C. Superior Court Wednesday to face a misdemeanor charge of possession of a controlled substance.
Radel released a statement saying, “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.”
“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. Please keep my family in your prayers.”
House Speaker John Boehner has not asked Radel to resign. “Members of Congress should be held to the highest standards, and the alleged crime will be handled by the courts,” Boehner said through a spokesman. “Beyond that, this is between Rep. Radel, his family, and his constituents.”
Radel, who has missed all votes in the House so far this week, has pledged to get help.
“This unfortunate event does have a positive side. It offers me an opportunity to seek treatment and counseling,” Radel stated. “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.”
If he’s found guilty, the U.S. Attorney’s office said Radel could face a maximum of 180 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
How the charges came about remains a mystery at this point. DC Metro Police and U.S. Capitol Police tell ABC News they have no role in this case.
Two days after his incident Radel was photographed with his family wearing a Buzz Lightyear costume for Halloween.
In an interview earlier this year, Radel identified his favorite vacation spot outside of his home state as Cartegena, Colombia, an expensive coastal city in a country notorious for cocaine trafficking.
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