Florida Congressman charged with cocaine possession after sting

A United States Congressman from Florida has been charged with cocaine possession after what a federal law enforcement official called a "buy and bust" operation.

In a statement expressing regret, 37-year-old Republican Henry "Trey" Radel said he struggled with alcoholism and intended to seek treatment and counselling. Radel made no mention of his political future but said he had made an "extremely irresponsible choice" and had let down his family and his constituents.

Radel appears to be the first sitting member of Congress charged with a drug offence since Frederick Richmond of New York was convicted in 1982 on charges of tax evasion and drug possession.

Radel was scheduled to appear in the District of Columbia Superior Court.

A one-sentence charging document did not add any details about the allegations.

A Drug Enforcement Administration official said Radel allegedly bought cocaine from an undercover agent in Washington's Dupont Circle neighbourhood on October 29. Later that night, federal authorities went to his apartment and informed him that he would be facing criminal charges related to his purchase of cocaine.

The official said Radel was identified to authorities as a cocaine buyer by his suspected dealer. The dealer had been previously arrested as part of a separate drug investigation led by a federal task force.

The cocaine possession charge, a misdemeanour, carries a statutory maximum of six months in prison and a fine of US$1000 ($1190).

Radel, 37, was elected in 2012 to represent the 19th District of Florida. He was a radio host and identifies himself on his Twitter profile as a "Hip Hop conservative".

Among the bills he has co-sponsored is legislation to amend the country's mandatory minimum drug sentencing laws. He is married and has a young son.

Meanwhile, the son of Virginia state senator Creigh Deeds stabbed his father in the head and chest yesterday before apparently killing himself.

"We're leaning towards it being an attempted murder/suicide," Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corrine Geller said. Deeds' 24-year-old son, Gus, died at the home of a gunshot wound. The senator was in fair condition at a hospital.

- AP