A Missouri Democrat was arrested on Sunday after police officers discovered marijuana and drug paraphernalia in his car.
State Rep. Jeremy LaFaver (D-Kansas City) was pulled over by police for failing to respond to a previous charge that he had driven with an expired license tag and without insurance. The lawmaker was booked into the Boone County jail and released after posting bond.
"I made a serious mistake, I apologize for it, and I am prepared to face the consequences of my behavior," LaFaver said in a statement. "I want to stress that I was not operating under the influence. I deeply regret the embarrassment I have caused my family and the people of the 25th District by this incident. I want to assure my constituents that I have received no special considerations, nor do I expect to be treated any differently than any other citizen in my situation."
LaFaver has also stepped down as chairman of the House Democratic Victory Committee.
The Missouri Republican Party has called on LaFaver to resign, citing his "open disrespect for the law." But he told local media networks that he has no plans to quit.
Unlike other lawmakers arrested for marijuana, LaFaver supported legislation that would have decriminalized small amounts of marijuana.
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