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. |
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