Florida Congressman Henry "Trey" Radel has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of cocaine possession and was sentenced to a year's probation.

Rep. Henry "Trey" Radel
Rep. Henry "Trey" Radel (D-Florida)
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The first-term Republican entered the plea in court Wednesday morning, acknowledging that he purchased 3.5 grams of cocaine from an undercover agent.

A Drug Enforcement Administration official says Radel bought cocaine from an undercover agent in a Washington, D.C., neighborhood on Oct. 29. Later that night, federal authorities went to his apartment and informed him that he would be facing criminal charges. The charges were made public Tuesday, and Radel expressed regret in a statement.

The 37-year-old lawmaker said he struggles with alcoholism and will seek treatment and counseling. Radel made no mention of his political future but says he had made an "extremely irresponsible choice" and let down his family and his constituents.

(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved)

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