Southwest Florida Congressman Trey Radel pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine on Wednesday.
The 37-year-old Republican freshman House member was placed on supervised probation for one year and given a $260 fine.
Radel was charged Tuesday with misdemeanor possession, following a late October purchase of $250 worth of cocaine during a law-enforcement undercover operation in Washington. Shortly after the guilty plea, Florida Democratic Party spokesman Max Steele called on Radel to resign."The issues that are facing our country and our state are too big and too serious. So, Congressman Radel needs to resign immediately and allow the voters of Florida’s 19th Congressional District to choose someone who can represent them effectively and honorably."
Radel could face a 180-day jail sentence if he violates the terms of his probation. In a statement Tuesday, Radel acknowledged he let his family and constituents down in his struggle with alcoholism.