WASHINGTON (AP) — House aides say a Florida congressman who pleaded guilty to cocaine possession has apologized to his Republican colleagues.

The aides say Rep. Trey Radel was emotional as he spoke briefly during a closed-door meeting of House Republicans. They said Radel thanked lawmakers who reached out to him, said he was in a good place and had found a good support group.

One aide said the lawmakers responded with moderate applause.

The 37-year-old Radel is a tea party-backed freshman who pleaded guilty in November to cocaine possession and was sentenced to a year on probation. The House Ethics Committee has said it will investigate his actions.

Radel has said he will not resign.

The aides spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss the private meeting by name.

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