WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (NBC) -  U.S. Representative Trey Radel, a Tea Party Republican from Florida, arrived for a court appearance in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday (November 20) to face a misdemeanor charge of drug possession, according to court documents.

In a statement, Radel, 37, apologized to his family and constituents in southwest Florida, saying that he struggled "with the disease of alcoholism, and this led to an extremely irresponsible choice."

Radel, a freshman member of Congress who calls himself a "Hip Hop Conservative, Lover of #liberty" on his Twitter page, faces a possible six months in jail.

"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," he said, adding that he would be seeking treatment and counseling.

Before running for Congress, Radel hosted a conservative TV and radio talk show in Florida.

The Tea Party is a conservative political movement that opposes higher taxes and big federal government.