text: @MarcACaputo 
   
   U.S. Rep. Trey Radel, the tea party freshman Republican from Fort Myers, was arrested Oct. 29 for cocaine possession in Washington D.C, Politico reported. 
   
   Radel, who faces a maximum of 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000, was charged Tuesday in D.C. Superior Court with misdemeanor cocaine possession and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday. 
   
   “I'm profoundly sorry to let down my family, particularly my wife and son, and the people of Southwest Florida," the 37-year-old Republican, whose legal name is Henry Jude Radel III, said in a statement. "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.” 
   
   Radel was arrested in a Drug Enforcement Agency bust when his alleged dealer, arrested in a separate case, led authorities to the congressman, officials said. 
   
   Radel then allegedly bought cocaine from an undercover agent in Washington's Dupont Circle neighborhood. Afterward, authorities visited the congressman's apartment and informed him he would be charged with misdemeanor cocaine possession. 
   
   More here ||||| Rep. Trey Radel, a Florida Republican elected in 2012, will be in court Wednesday on charges that he possessed cocaine. 
   
   Radel, 37, was charged with misdemeanor possession of cocaine in D.C. Superior Court on Tuesday. 
   
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   He faces a maximum of 180 days in jail, as well as a fine of up to $1,000. Several sources with direct knowledge say it was the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration who were involved in the charges. 
   
   (Also on POLITICO: 10 things to know about Trey Radel) 
   
   Radel has missed all four votes in the House this week. 
   
   Radel, in a statement released by his office, made no mention of resigning from the House. He said he struggles “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.” 
   
   A spokesman for Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) said, “Members of Congress should be held to the highest standards, and the alleged crime will be handled by the courts. Beyond that, this is between Rep. Radel, his family, and his constituents.” 
   
   (PHOTOS: Top congressional scandals) 
   
   The U.S. Attorney’s office for the District of Columbia declined to comment on Radel’s arrest and case. 
   
   The Associated Press, citing an unnamed DEA official, said Radel allegedly bought cocaine from a dealer in the Dupont Circle area who had been previously arrested as part of a federal probe. “Later that night, federal authorities went to his apartment and informed him that he would be facing criminal charges related to his purchase of cocaine,” the AP said. 
   
   The Florida Republican, who holds a district on the western coast of Florida that includes the tony Marco Island, is a former journalist, TV anchor and radio talk-show host. He never held elective office before winning his House seat last November. His district was vacated by former Rep. Connie Mack (R-Fla.), who ran for the Senate. 
   
   (Earlier on POLITICO: New members of Congress in 2013) 
   
   In the statement, Radel said he realizes “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.” 
   
   The arrest, he said, has a “positive side.” 
   
   “It offers me an opportunity to seek treatment and counseling,” he said. “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.” ||||| U.S. Rep. Trey Radel, R-Fort Myers, is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday one day after the D.C. Superior Courts charged him with possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor. 
   
   Radel was arrested on Oct. 29 for possession of cocaine. 
   
   According to the Associated Press a Drug Enforcement Administration official said Radel was arrested after buying cocaine from an undercover law enforcement officer. 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 previously arrested as part of a separate drug investigation led by a federal task force. 
   
   Congressman Trey Radel released the following statement: 
   
   “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.” 
   
   “However, this unfortunate event does have a positive side. 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.” 
   
   “Please keep my family in your prayers.” 
   
   Click here to view social media reactions to Rep. Radel's arrest. 
   
   Radel, a freshman Republican, was elected in November. He is a former journalist and radio talk show host. This is his first time holding an elected position. 
   
   Naples Mayor John Sorey said he was "surprised" by the allegations. 
   
   “If it’s correct, I’m very disappointed,” Sorey said. 
   
   Sorey, who has supported Radel, said he didn’t know anything about the arrest and court case, but said people should let the criminal justice department play out. Still, Sorey said, this could make Radel’s re-election bid more difficult. 
   
   “I think it’s definitely a negative,” he said. “I think it puts him under some (pressure).” 
   
   “I was shocked by the allegations, and I stress the word allegations,” said Terry Miller, who ran Republican congressional candidate Gary Aubuchon’s campaign in 2012. 
   
   Miller said he has known Radel for a number of years dating “back to his radio days.” He said he never expected something like this from Radel, and said he was stunned when he heard the news. 
   
   “My heart sank,” he said. 
   
   Florida Sen. Garrett Richter, R-Naples, said he was disappointed by the news. 
   
   “I was shocked to hear about it … It’s just really sad news because Trey has been a really good representative," Richter said. "My thoughts and prayers go out to Trey’s family, and I know he’s got some challenges in front of (him) that I hope he can reconcile and overcome.” 
   
   Miami-based Republican U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart said he was saddened by the news. 
   
   "I am both shocked and saddened to hear the news about my friend and colleague Congressman Trey Radel. Every person must take responsibility for their own actions, as Trey will. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Amy and his son Jude." 
   
   State Rep. Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, said she was “obviously surprised” by the arrest. 
   
   “I don’t know Trey that well, just have seen him as someone very active in the community,” she said. “I just wish he and his family well.” 
   
   Rep. Ray Rodrigues, R-Estero, said he considers Radel a friend but has never suspected him of substance abuse. 
   
   “Right now, the only thing I’m concerned with is I hope Trey gets treatment,” Rodrigues said. “He has a family that needs him.” 
   
   A John Boehner spokesman had this response to Radel's arrest. 
   
   "Members of Congress should be held to the highest standards, and the alleged crime will be handled by the courts. Beyond that, this is between Rep. Radel, his family, and his constituents," the spokesman said. 
   
   This story was first reported by POLITICO. Stay with us for more updates to this breaking story. 
   
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target: – A freshman Republican in the House now has much bigger worries than a re-election campaign. Rep. Trey Radel, who represents Florida's Fort Myers area, has been charged with misdemeanor cocaine possession in DC, reports Politico. The Miami Herald describes Radel as a "libertarian-leaning" Republican in line with the Tea Party and says the 37-year-old might have caught a break by getting busted in Washington: He would have faced felony charges in Florida. His maximum penalty in DC would be 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted. “I'm profoundly sorry to let down my family, particularly my wife and son, and the people of Southwest Florida," Radel says in a statement picked up by the Naples Daily News. "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." Radel, a self-described rap fan and "hip hop conservative," once co-sponsored a bill to ease up on mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses, notes the Herald.