Hall Of Shame: Radel Isn’t The First Lawmaker In Hot Water Over Illegal Substances

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Updated: November 19, 2013, 7:07 PM EST

On Tuesday news broke that Rep. Trey Radel (R-FL) faces charges for cocaine possession. If the charges hold up, he’ll join an elite and ever-growing group of congressmen who have gotten caught dabbling in illegal substances. Here’s a list of seven high-profile cases of lawmakers who got themselves into trouble for narcotics possession or driving while intoxicated.

In January 2013, Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) pleaded guilty to driving under the influence.

In 2009, former Rep. Vito Fossella (R-NY) was convicted of driving under the influence in Virginia.

Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) in 2005 was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after the police pulled him over in South Dakota, according to USA Today.

In 1986, the legendary House Ways and Means Chairman Dan Rostenkowski (D-IL) was charged with drunk driving in Wisconsin.

Rep. Ike Andrews (D-NC) pleaded guilty to driving under the influence in 1982, according to archives of the now-defunct Washington Independent website.

Similarly, Rep. J. Herbert Burke (R-FL) was convicted of intoxication, resisting arrest, and influencing a witness. He pleaded guilty in September 1978, according to the Independent.

Two years before that Rep. Frank J. Horton (R-NY) was charged with reckless driving and driving under the influence. He pleaded guilty in August 1976.

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