Radel returns donations after resignation

Former Rep. Trey Radel (R-Fla.) refunded more than $63,000 to campaign donors after pleading guilty to cocaine possession and resigning from Congress earlier this year, federal election records show. 

According to campaign documents filed Tuesday, Radel returned $63,550 to 42 individuals and 10 political action committees (PACs) after resigning from the House in late January. [READ THE CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORT HERE.]

USA Today, which first flagged the report, found many of the returned donations went to those who gave money in November or December, after Radel’s cocaine bust. Some of the money was raised at a fundraiser that came after Radel had been nabbed by undercover police officers but before it was made public, the newspaper reported.  

{mosads}Of the returns, $41,150 reportedly went to PACs, while $22,400 was returned to individuals. A number of people contacted by the newspaper said they had not yet received the refund Wednesday. 

Radel received no contributions this reporting cycle, which spanned Jan. 1 to March 31, aside from a small transfer from his joint fundraising committee. 

Even with the refunds, his campaign fund had $184,262 cash on hand with $206,000 in debt. 

Radel returned to Congress in January after undergoing a brief stint in rehab following his conviction. He faced an ethics probe and calls for him to resign. On Jan. 27, he said he could no longer effectively serve and ended his term. 

“Unfortunately, some of my struggles had serious consequences,” Radel wrote at the time. 

The special election to replace him will take place on June 24, with the primary set for next Tuesday.  

— Updated at 1:30 p.m.