Radel is First Congressman Convicted for Cocaine Use

Rep. Trey Radel (R-FL) “appears to be the only member of Congress to have ever been convicted for cocaine use while in office,” NBC News reports.

“The only other member of Congress to be arrested and convicted on a drug charge was Rep. Frederick Richmond (D) of New York, who, 30 years ago, was convicted for marijuana use. Richmond, who also served as deputy finance chairman for the Democratic National Committee, in 1982 also pleaded guilty to a felony charge of evading taxes and a misdemeanor regarding a government contract.”

The Washington Post reports Radel first informed Speaker John Boehner of his arrest yesterday.