Radel checks into Florida rehab center

Rep. Trey Radel (R-Fla.) checked himself into a drug rehabilitation facility in Naples, Fla., this afternoon, WINK News reported.

{mosads}The facility he entered is operated by the Hazelden Foundation, a Minnesota-based nonprofit that offers addiction treatment services in five states.

The rehab facility is contained within Radel’s home district, Florida’s 19th.

On Wednesday morning, Radel pleaded guilty in a D.C. court to misdemeanor possession of cocaine after being caught in a police sting operation in October. He was sentenced to a year of supervised probation, with a stricter sentence avoided in part based on his pledge to pursue in-patient rehabilitation.

Following Radel’s check-in, he released a short statement reiterating his claims from a Wednesday night press conference that he hopes to win back the trust of his constituents.

“Today, I checked myself into a facility to seek treatment and counseling. It is my hope, though this process, I will come out a better man,” Radel said. “I will work hard to gain back the trust and supports of my constituents, friends and most importantly, my family.”

Radel’s wife, Amy Wegmann Radel, released a statement to the press via email earlier in the afternoon supporting her husband.

“The outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming. Your positive, uplifting encouragement is helping us get through this difficult time,” she said. “I am proud to watch my husband, Trey, get the help he needs. When we married, we took vows to remains together in good times and bad, in sickness and health. I know that brighter days are ahead.”

Amy Radel also requested privacy, particularly for the couple’s two-year-old son.