Florida Rep. Trey Radel pleads guilty to cocaine possession

First-term Florida congressman Trey Radel pleaded guilty to charges of cocaine possession Wednesday, and was sentenced to one year of probation.

"I've hit a bottom where I realize I need help," he told a judge in acknowledging that he purchased 3.5 grams of cocaine from an undercover police officer last month.

Radel, 37, was charged Tuesday with possession of an illegal substance following a grand jury indictment.

He was arrested Oct. 29 in the District of Columbia, Politico first reported.

In a statement released Tuesday, Radel said he struggles with alcoholism and intends to seek treatment and counseling.

"I want to come out of this stronger," he said in court, later adding that he wants to "continue serving this country."

A Drug Enforcement Agency official who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity said Radel was identified to authorities as a cocaine buyer by his suspected dealer. 

Authorities also found a vial of cocaine in his apartment.

A former actor, comedian and conservative media personality, Radel was elected to his first House term last fall.

He represents Florida's 19th Congressional District and had never held elective office before.

Radel did not vote Monday evening when the House reconvened, but had been casting votes in recent weeks, including on the day of and the day after his arrest, the Washington Post reported.