Politics

Rep. Trey Radel completes month-long rehab

By Rebecca Kaplan

December 19, 2013 / 4:46 PM EST / CBS News

Congressman Henry "Trey" Radel, the Florida Republican who pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine, has completed a nearly month-long stint in a rehab facility in Naples, Fla., according to CBS affiliate WINK.

Fla. Rep. Radel takes leave of absence after cocaine arrest 02:36

Radel was arrested on Oct. 29 sting operation in Washington, D.C. in which he purchased 3.5 grams of cocaine worth $250 from undercover agents. During his Nov. 20 hearing, a day after his arrest came to light, he was sentenced to one year of minimally supervised probation and ordered to pay a $250 fine to a victims’ compensation fund. If he violates his probation, he faces up to 180 days in jail.

"I apologize for what I have done," Radel said during his November court appearance. "I am so sorry to be here."

In an earlier statement, he blamed the “irresponsible choice” of drug use on a struggle with alcoholism.

Radel took a leave of absence from Congress and pledged to donate his salary to charity before he entered the treatment facility, Hazelden, on Nov. 21.

His return to Congress could be rocky. The House Ethics Committee announced Monday that it is launching a formal investigation into Radel’s background, which could lead to an official reprimand or expulsion. House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, has not called for Radel to step down but the chairman of the Florida Repbulican Party, Lenny Curry, said last month that he should do so to focus on rehabilitation and his family.

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