Florida Rep. Radel enters treatment facility after cocaine possession sentence

Sept. 3, 2013: Rep. Trey Radel, R-Fla. on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP)

Florida Republican Rep. Trey Radel has checked himself into a rehab facility after pleading guilty to misdemeanor cocaine possession.

In a statement Thursday, Radel did not disclose the location of the facility but said he will seek treatment and counseling.

“It is my hope, through this process, I will come out a better man,” Radel said. “I will work hard to gain back the trust and support of my constituents, friends and most importantly, my family."

Radel said late Wednesday he will take a leave of absence and donate his salary after he was sentenced to one year of supervised probation for purchasing 3.5 grams of cocaine, valued at $250, from an undercover officer. He also had a vial of cocaine at his apartment which police later confiscated.

“I’ve let down our country,” Radel said at a press conference Wednesday night. “I’ve let down our constituents. I’ve let down my wife, and even though he doesn’t know it, I’ve let down my 2-year-old son.”

Radel said that his leave of absence takes effect immediately and that he had filed the necessary papers with the House clerk. In the meantime, he said constituent services would continue. He gave no indication he was going to resign.