Ethics panel to investigate Radel

The House Ethics Committee launched an investigation into Rep. Trey Radel (R-Fla.) following his guilty plea for cocaine possession. 

The Committee announced Monday it came to a unanimous decision to launch an investigative subcommittee to determine whether he violated the House’s Code of Official Conduct or any other laws. 

{mosads}“Pursuant to the Committee’s action, the Investigative Subcommittee shall have jurisdiction to determine whether Representative Henry J. “Trey” Radel III violated the Code of Official Conduct or any law, rule, regulation, or other applicable standard of conduct in the performance of his duties or the discharge of his responsibilities, with respect to conduct forming the basis for criminal charges of possession of cocaine in the District of Columbia, to which Representative Radel pled guilty on November 20, 2013,” the Committee said in a statement. 

Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Pa.) and Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.) will lead the subcommittee — both are members of the Ethics panel. The other members of the investigation will include Rep. Janice Hahn (D-Calif.) and Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.).

Radel apologized after he was sentenced last month to a year of probation for buying $250 worth of cocaine from an undercover police officer. 

The freshman lawmaker has said he is taking an extended leave of absence in order to undergo treatment in Florida, but he has made no mention of resigning from office. 

House rules gave the committee a 30-day deadline to decide whether to open an investigation or give explanation for opting against it. The deadline was approaching on Thursday. 

A Radel spokesman reiterated that the congressman has taken responsibility for his actions. 

“Congressman Radel has acknowledged and accepted full responsibility for his actions and is committed to continuing and completing a treatment program that will help him overcome his personal problems,” the spokesman said. “He expected that the House Ethics Committee would look into the matter and intends to appropriately address the investigation initiated by the House Ethics Committee.”